Two of the favourites going into the race made their mark in Moena: Kristian Hynek and Sally Bigham signed their names to the 2014 Val di Fassa Bike-Volvo Cup, an official test in the UCI MTB Marathon World Series as well as the Trek Zerowind Off Road Challenge and Alpine Pearls MTB Cup series. It was an almost unrivalled victory for the Champion from the Czech Republic as well as for Iron Sally, both of who took on the Marathon route.
Kristian Hynek got off to a super strong start and at the peak of the Alpe Lusia (GPM) he had already gained a lead of more than 1’30’’ over his closest followers: current Italian MTB Marathon Champion Samuele Porro and the Sudtirol king of the Sellaronda Hero Leonardo Paez. A few kilometres from the last climb, while Hynek continued to progressively increase his advantage, it seemed as if the race were already well defined, but Porro’s unfortunate fall gave the second place to Paez.
It wasn’t much different in the women’s race, with Britain’s Sally Bigham always firmly in command and demonstrating significant superiority over her adversaries. The only ones who could keep up with her pace were Austrians Sabine Sommer and Christina Kollmann, who closed out in second and third place respectively. Italian Elena Gaddoni was fourth.
“It was a beautiful day, the summer-like weather gave the participants the chance to put themselves to the test on a very difficult route and enjoy some fabulous scenery” says Cristian Zorzi, Technical Manager for the Race.
“We are also very pleased for the number and the quality of the registered riders, which featured several stars from the world of mountain bike” declared Riccardo Franceschetti, President of Val di Fassa Events. “The Val di Fassa Bike has confirmed itself as a competition with immense international appeal and this is why all I can say is thank you to everyone who contributed to the organization and success of the event. Particular thanks goes to the municipalities of Moena, Soraga and Vigo di Fassa, our partners, Volvo first and foremost, and to the many volunteers and public safety officials.”
Info: www.valdifassabike.it
photo Riccardo Selvatico
