Great expectations for the Italian riders in view of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup round in Daolasa di Commezzadura (August 2-4). Kerschbaumer is a man to watch for the Cross Country race, whilst Widmann and Farina are expected to feature big in the Downhill women competition
Competitions are yet to start in Val di Sole, but Daolasa di Commezzadura (Trentino, Northern Italy) is already enjoying the atmosphere of the most expected event of the season. The World Cup programme was opened for Downhill riders by the ritual track walk on the feared Black Snaketrack, in view of the Qualifying Round scheduled tomorrow.
From August 2 to 4, the spotlights of the Mountain Bike World will be focused on Trentino and Val di Sole, where the only Italian Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup stage is to be held.
In terms of results, the Italian Mountain Bike are living one of the biggest moments of its history, both in Cross Country and Downhill. For this reason, the expectations are high for the Italian team, that achieved prestigious results in the last UCI World Cup rounds.
On Saturday August 3rd, the women’s competition will catalyse the attention of the Italian fans gathered on the mythical Blake Snake. In fact, Veronika Widmann and Eleonora Farina aim for the podium in one of the Downhill temples on the international scale.
“The home race has a special significance for me – said Eleonora Farina. – For me it is a reason of pride to race in front of my supporters. The Black Snake’s conditions are perfect: the course is full of difficulties, one of the most demanding in the World Cup. In addition, the favourites of the last editions are injured and this year there are many riders who aspire to the crown”.
If women represent the main options for the Italian Downhill team, Gerhard Kerschbaumer is the leader of the Cross Country selection. The Italian National Champion is one of the main favourites for the Men’s Elite race, alongside with Val di Sole’s dominator Nino Schurter and the European Champion Mathieu Van der Poel.
After finishing second in the 2018 edition behind Schurter, Kerschbaumer aims make the most of an excellent condition. After all, the #1 position of the UCI Mountain Bike Ranking is not easy to achieve. In addition, Kerschbaumer has a further motivation: to redeem the disappointing 15th place claimed at the European Championships.
“Val di Sole is the home of the Italian Mountain Bike and consequently the home of us all – Kerschbaumer explains. – The supporters are warm, pushing us beyond our limits. Last year, I grazed the win and the course is suited to my characteristics. I’m not hiding: my goal is to win, but the rivals are very strong, starting by Nino Schurter and Mathieu Van der Poel”.
On Thursday August 1st, Val di Sole’s programme starts with the Four-Cross World Championships Qualifying Round, whilst Friday August 2nd are scheduled the finals (9.15 pm), in addition to the Downhill Qualifying Round (12.15 Women JR, 12.30 Men Jr, 13.30 Women Elite, 14.00 Men Elite) and the Cross Country Short Track (17.30 Women, 18.15 Men).
On Saturday August 3rd, are scheduled the Downhill Finals (09.45 Women JR, 10.15 Men JR, 12.30 Women Elite, 13.30 Men Elite) and the novelty Electric Snake, the event dedicated to the E-MTB (starts at 18.30). On Sunday August 4th, Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup's weekend will close with the Cross Country competitions (8.30 Women U23, 10.15 Men U23, 12.20 Women Elite, 15.05 Men Elite).
The Downhill Finals will be aired by Red Bull TV, on Saturday August 3rd at 12.25 am CET. On Sunday August 4th, Red Bull TV will be broadcasted the Elite Cross Country competitions (12.15 am CET. Women race, 3.00 pm CET, Men race).
