The 2021 edition of the most important Italian Mountain Bike circuit starts from Andorra on Saturday, March 6th. The ‘Riviera’ kicks off the Olympic season: high expectations for an enticing course and an international start list
After a shortened 2020 season, affected by the Covid-19 emergency, the Mountain Bike world can’t wait to restart its racing program. Programmed in Andora (Liguria) on Saturday, March 6th, Internazionali d’Italia Series’ opener Andora Race Cup is one of the most significant early-season fixtures in the new Olympic Season.
The Ligurian competition is expected to be the first benchmark for top-notch riders in a season in an all-important season for mountain biking in Italy: the 2021 Mountain Bike World Championships will take place next August in Val di Sole (Trentino).
Italian National Team Coach Mirko Celestino is ready for a season full of responsibilities and important decisions. Celestino will have a very close eye on the first stage of Internazionali d’Italia Series for two reasons: in addition to his role as Mountain Bike National Team Coach, he supports Andora Race Cup OC as a technical consultant. “Organizing events in the Covid-19 era is a demanding challenge, but Andora Race Cup promises to be a high-level competition and a much-expected test for the best riders in international mountain biking.”
4 Km and 160 meters of elevation gain for each lap, Andora Race Cup will be an event for flawless and skilled riders. “In 2019, athletes appreciated a difficult but not overly technical course. An ideal route to kick off the season – Celestino explained. – We are considering two changes on the course, adding two jumps as this is now becoming increasingly popular also in World Cup stages’ courses”.
In the Ligurian Riviera, the athletes will find the ideal climate to race in early March. By no coincidence, the ambitious Team Santa Cruz FSA organized the pre-season training camp in Liguria. “Spring blossoms early in our ‘Riviera di Ponente’. Marotte, Braidot, Berta and Seiwald are training well. Those who live in the mountains have a hard time training during this winter due to cold and snow. The pre-season preparation is crucial to aim for the big goals of the year”.
An established seaside resort in the summer season, Andora offers tourists outdoor experiences and opportunities to relax. “Andora Race Cup is the proper way to show another face of the Ligurian Riviera in the spring season”, said Celestino. – “Organising an international C1 event of the C.1 category, listed in an important circuit like Internazionali d’Italia Series, gives credit and stature to our project. I wish to thank the Mayor of Andora Mauro Demichelis, and the Andora Sports councilor Ilario Simonetta for supporting Andora Race Cup even in these challenging times.”
Andora Race Cup’s programme will develop in two days. On Saturday, March 6th, the event will begin with the Internazionali d’Italia Series racing categories – Elite, U23 and Junior – followed by the Amateur and the Youth races on Sunday, March 7th.
Verona (Italy), January 25th, 2021
