It is only matter of hours: the Sestri Levante weekend is almost here! The first PRO round of Superenduro Powered By SRAM 2014 is ready to open the series of 4 races that will crown, together with Punta Ala, Madesimo and Sauze D’Oulx, the best riders of the season.
The Italian riders are super-pumped. Manuel Ducci, Alex Lupato, Davide Sottocornola, Vittorio Gambirasio and Matteo Raimondi will go head to head with the troop of new riders, as Jacopo Orbassano and Alessandro Levra, but also with riders from other disciplines such as Denny Lupato (Alex’s bro) former cross-country racer, Nicola Casasdei and Marco Milivinti, directly from the DH scene. This means a lot and it points out that the enduro discipline is growing. Not to forget the number of foreign riders, such as Marco Fidalgo (POR) and Peter Mlinar (SLO). Among the ladies the reigning champion Laura Rossin is ready to face Chiara Pastore, Valentina Macheda and Marianna Uttini. Their race is going to be the most open, very difficult to predict. Only the results from the Special Stages (PS) will place a crown on the right head!
At Sestri Levante the new race format will officially start after last year’s experiment at Finale Ligure. The race will be split over two days; Saturday will be the first of the two racing days, with two planned PS. The unseen “Turiun” stage will open the race and will take the riders up to Riva Trigoso. Later, the “Penisola” stage will conclude the Saturday, with the awesome passage on the beach of Baia del Silenzio. Sunday the riders will start with the classic “Ca Gianca” stage, then “Mimosa”, and “Sant’Anna”, which for its stunning views is one of the most loved trails of the Ligurian coast.
However, the paddock will be busy since the Friday, with the new event by SRAM. The Friday Fundamentals at Five will start at Sestri Levante and will be addressed to the owners of SRAM products. The SRAM technicians will organize workshops about the servicing of components such as forks and dropper seat-posts by RockShox: this is not an event you want to miss!
The other surprise in the paddock area will take place after the race, when the Piccolo Birrificio Clandestino from Leghorn, an artisan brewery will offer a beer to each racer. This will be the best way to pick up after the efforts of the race and to make a toast with your comrades for another Superenduro weekend! For all details about the round please have a look of the race dossier.
Text / Photos: SUPERENDUROMTB.COM Video: ROCKINTHEMIDDLE.COM
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
