After months of organizational meetings, weeks of trail preparation, days spent chasing permissions, and intense hours preparing the paddock—the race clock will count the minutes and seconds at the second round of Toscano Enduro Series: Monteriggioni!

The alarm goes off early on raceday—before 6:00 am—there are so many things to do so all 228 riders can enjoy the day

The week leading up to the race had everyone talking about the weather—storms and heavy rains could really affect the conditions of the trails and equipment choice. Come race day, however, everything was perfect under a hot Tuscan sun, and the first riders of the E-bike class set out at 9:50am, followed by traditional classes kicking off at 10am sharp

Beautiful weather provided fantastic, dry trails for all competitors. Surely that's why they're so happy?
Beautiful weather provided fantastic, dry trails for all competitors. Surely that’s why they’re so happy?
The second stage, known as "I Grufoli" had a reputation for being very physically demanding. Luckily the weather didn't affect this one!
The second stage, known as “I Grufoli” had a reputation for being very physically demanding. Luckily the weather didn’t affect this one!

Francesco Pallini from Team A.S.D. Ciclosport Poggibonsi dominated the first Special Stage–nicknamed “The Controversy”–with a time of 5:07. Pressing hot on his heels was Leonardo Piccini from DNA Team and Marco Mazzi from Team BP Motion, at just two seconds back.

The second Special Stage, known as “I Grufoli” had a reputation for being very physically demanding. With long pedaling sections and high-speed corners, the challenge was set. Claudio Barreca from Team SpeedPoint clocked a blistering time of 6:33, 8 seconds ahead of Francesco Pallini at 6:41 and Marco Mazzi at 6:43.

Special Stage 3 was a rough and rocky roller-coaster called “El Cabron”.  Leonardo Piccini took the stage, but with a virtual same time as Barreca, giving the overall win to Claudio Barreca from Team SpeedPoint!
Special Stage 3 was a rough and rocky roller-coaster called “El Cabron”. Leonardo Piccini took the stage, but with a virtual same time as Barreca, giving the overall win to Claudio Barreca from Team SpeedPoint!

The Podium saw Claudio Barreca take the top step, followed by Luigi Bianchi for silver, and British-registered rider Daniel Yeomans in bronze position.

For the amateur division, Marco Mazzi put in a consistent day to take the top step, followed by Leonardo Piccini in second and Francesco Pallini in third.
For the amateur division, Marco Mazzi put in a consistent day to take the top step, followed by Leonardo Piccini in second and Francesco Pallini in third.
Amongst the women, the fastest was Marcella Chiavaccini of Team i-MTB ASD, finishing in 23:30, ahead of Francesca Bonanni of Team SpeedPoint and Irene Savelli of Tree60 Team.
Amongst the women, the fastest was Marcella Chiavaccini of Team i-MTB ASD, finishing in 23:30, ahead of Francesca Bonanni of Team SpeedPoint and Irene Savelli of Tree60 Team.

It was a long hard day for both the competitors and the organizers. Huge thanks goes out to everyone at A.S.D. Ciclosport Poggibonsi and Grufoli, who went above and beyond to make sure the race went flawlessly. From the smiles on the faces of racers and the high-fives given all around, the hard work paid off!

Until next year, Arrivederci from Monteriggioni from Grufoli!  See you all at the next stop of the Toscano Enduro Series, May 31 in Massa!
Until next year, Arrivederci from Monteriggioni from Grufoli! See you all at the next stop of the Toscano Enduro Series, May 31 in Massa!

For more info, visit: toscanoenduroseries.it

Words & Photos: ToscanaEnduroSeries


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