DownHill, success and passion: with over 250 athletes, the Third Stage of the Coppa Italia and the Trofeo Regione Lombardia 2024 has concluded.
Bad weather tries to ruin the party in Madesimo, but sporting passion wins.
DownHill, success and passion: with over 250 athletes, the Third Stage of the Coppa Italia and the Trofeo Regione Lombardia 2024 has concluded.
Madesimo (Sondrio), the Third Stage of the Italian Downhill Cup and the First Stage of the 9 Lombardy Region Trophy ended on July 2024th.
A great success with over 250 registered athletes, who with their families and teams completely invaded the Valtellina resort. Unfortunately, the bad weather that gripped the north did not spare this event which was only half staged.
SATURDAY 6 JULY
On Saturday 6 July, the first heat took place without a hitch, determining the best athletes on the "Valle delle Streghe" slope. Challenges on the edge of hundredths that highlighted everyone's abilities on a treacherous and technical route, with many roots, jumps and rocks to make it complicated but at the same time fun and spectacular. The numerous riders of all ages, between 13 and 60 years old, had beautiful descents, with many girls at the start.
SUNDAY 7 JULY
On Sunday 7th July, however, the scheduled heat was cancelled due to bad weather. A decision not taken lightly by the Race Direction, which put the safety and security of the participants first. It was therefore decided to proceed with the awards ceremony for the heats on Saturday, which also saw some athletes from Lombardy in the top positions: Andrea Gamenara ranked third in the Open Men's team of Bergamo 4T Project, Sofia Priori Viale first woman Elite team downhillher, Martina Fumagalli first Master Women's team downhillher and Matteo Bosco first Junior of the Valsassina team.
"We confirmed ourselves as winners even in the rain – Alessandra Gazzoli, Madesimo's Sports Councilor, commented during the awards ceremony – and there were many positive opinions from all the participants. The next appointment is for 2025 with the Italian Championship. Special thanks for the support provided goes to the Tourist Consortium, to the guys who work on the Bike Park and to all of Madesimo".
“It was a challenge won despite the bad weather – continued the President of the Valchiavenna Mountain Community Davide Trussoni – Valchiavenna has incredible potential with sport. Madesimo is becoming a leading destination for this discipline, which today attracts more and more people. Events like the one this weekend, for us who also live on tourism, are really important and we are ready to welcome hundreds of riders and thousands of spectators next year, bringing together many synergies starting from the Tourist Consortium, the Municipality, the Mountain Community and the Ski Area itself. It is a challenge and as always we like challenges and we like to win them”.
“The bad weather this year – concluded Riccardo Tagliabue, organizer of the event – is trying to influence many outdoor sports and I share Davide Trussoni's opinion that the bigger the challenges, the more we like to try to win them. It was still a beautiful race Saturday, with many athletes at the start and a fantastic track from all points of view. A perfect organization with a great feeling with the location and the bike park managers. Discipline is also a spirit of adaptation and we are satisfied with the results of Saturday's heat. A heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and the Alpine Rescue, to the Guardia di Finanza teams and to all the workers who were able to make everything safer”.
The next round of the Coppa Italia and the Trofeo Regione Lombardia will be held in Bormio on August 31st and September 1st.
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