The date with the Val di Fassa Bike-Volvo Cup is fast approaching. Registration is still open, but more than 1000 bikers have already confirmed their attendance in Moena on Sunday, September 13th, for the eighth edition of this international mountain bike granfondo event, which qualifies as an official test in the UCI MTB Marathon World Series.
In the last several months the organizers of the race have done a lot of work on the Marathon and Classic itineraries, coming up with a spectacular and one-of-a-kind route: between forest roads, paths, single tracks, breathtaking scenery and quick tours through some of the most charming hamlets of the Val di Fassa, participants will get the chance to put their technical skills to the test whilst having a marvellous time.
In addition to the excellence of Italian mountain biking, great athletes from around the world will be lining up at the starting gate. “There is an extremely high level of registered participants” confirms Technical Manager Gianfranco Degiampietro.
Some names to keep an eye out for include Italian National team athletes Samuele Porro (Italian Marathon Champion 2015), Tony Longo (winner of the Alpentour Trophy 2015), Massimo Debertolis (World Marathon Champion in 2004), Marzio Deho (King of the Rampilonga); and then there are Klaus Fontana, Daniele Mensi, Juri Ragnoli, Johann Pallhuber, Luca Ronchi, Johnny Cattaneo, Damiano Ferraro, Mirko Pirazzoli, Fabian Rabensteiner and Johannes Schweiggl. The Classic ride will definitely star the cross country high-wire artist Martino Fruet (who may reconfirm the victory he obtained in the 2014 Val di Fassa Bike) and the 2014 XCO Master World Champion Ivan Degasperi. In the women’s field it would be impossible not to spot three potential winners: Elena Gaddoni (Queen of the Marathon Bike della Brianza), Lorenza Menapace (several-time champion in the XC Endurance) and Kataržina Sosna (second ranked at the Rudy Project 3Epic Tre Cime di Lavaredo MTB Marathon 2015).
In the top list of the International stars there is great pride surrounding the attendance of Belgian Roel Paulissen (World Marathon Champion in 2008 and 2009), Colombian Leonardo Paez (winner of the 2015 Assietta Legend and third at the 2015 Sellaronda Hero), South African Travis Walker (second ranked at the Rudy Project 3Epic Tre Cime di Lavaredo MTB Marathon 2015) and Colombian Diego Alfonso Arias Cuervo.
REGISTRATION
There is still time to register! The Master and Excursionists’ categories will be able to sign up for the race on Saturday, September 12th, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a late fee of €5.00, at the Race Office set up at the Navalge theatre in Moena. On Sunday, September 13th, the day of the race, registration will be open only for the Excursionists’ category, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., with an additional €5.00 fee.
More info at: www.valdifassabike.it
RACE PACKAGE
All registered riders will receive a free pair of Sportful leg-warmers in ThermoDrytex Plus, a selection of Enervit supplements, a product from the new line of WD-40®BIKE and a meal ticket for the pasta party.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Several ambulances with doctors and nurses on board will be located at established First Aid points along the route, with a permanent station in the arrival area. Radio Soccorso will facilitate fixed and mobile stations.
GATE TIMES
At the start of the Climb to Pociace: 12:00 p.m.
At the start of the Tamion (Soraga roundabout) climb: 1.15 p.m.
At Moena Church, towards Sorte: 3:00 p.m.
Those who continue to ride behind the closed gates will not be guaranteed medical assistance and service, and will not be included in the classification.
PRIZES
A special prize has been established for the first three fastest riders on the single track n. 4. from Col de la Chiusa to Malga Roncac. It’s a race within the race. Thus the Val di Fassa Bike will offer all MTB Freeride and Downhill diehards the opportunity to test their mettle against other bikers on an adrenaline-rich stretch of about 2.5 km, where the times of each athlete, whether Marathon or Classic, will be recorded. Then a specific ranking will be established to reward the three best times.
Furthermore, the team with the most members will receive a lovely trophy in hand carved wood by Ivo Zulian, the sculptor from Soraga and great Alpine Skiing Champion from the Bogn da Nia. The team that comes from the farthest location (minimum 5 members) will secure free registration for the 2016 Val di Fassa Bike.
The Mountain grand Prix at Le Cune (2206 m) will be reserved exclusively for the amateur categories, and the winners of the best men’s and women’s times will receive a season ski pass to the Alpe Lusia-San Pellegrino ski area.
Prizes will also be awarded for the intermediary finish lines at Vigo di Fassa, Pozza di Fassa, Soraga and Moena; there will alsso be an award for participating for the first man and woman from the E-Bike tourist group.
USEFUL INFORMATION
The weather forecasts are predicting partly cloudy skies with perfect temperatures for a mountain bike race. For the occasion of the Val di Fassa Bike, there will be free car and camper parking at the entry to the town of Moena, in the area designated under the Esso petrol station and in front of the Agip service station and sports field.
