Sunday trip in Switzerland During this time between the stages of Internazionali d’Italia Series, the guys of Merida Italia Team still have had a way to compete, taking part to the Monte Tamaro Trophy MTB Race, not far away from the state line.
A beautiful spring day was the backdrop of the international race C2 organized near Lugano (SUI), on the same track of 2003 World Championships. The track was very technical and completely dry, despite the heavy rains during the previous week. The parterre of the queen race, namely the Open one, was certainly of the highest level, with some stars who militate consistently in the top 10 of the World Cup Elite. Merida Italia Team was present at the starting line with all its athletes of the Under23 category, except for Alexander Naspi, restrained by school commitments. The guys of the Team of Piacenza have enjoyed a good start, especially Gioele Bertolini and Lorenzo Samparisi, who managed to close the first of the seven rounds provided near the top 20. Mattia Setti and Stefano Valdrighi have instead struggled during the first lap, passing more lingered. During the race the two riders of Valtellina Samparisi and Bertolini have battled along with Andri Frischknecht (Scott-Odlo MTB Racing Team) for the primacy in the Under23 category,
rising up to fight for a place in the top 10. However Gioele had to give up on the fifth lap, then closing in 20th position, while Lorenzo led a great race until the end, which allowed him to close in 11th place overall and first among the Under23. During the race the two riders of Valtellina Samparisi and Bertolini have battled along with Andri Frischknecht (Scott-Odlo MTB Racing Team) for the primacy in the Under23 category, rising up to fight for a place in the top 10. However Gioele had to give up on the fifth lap, then closing in 20th position, while Lorenzo led a great race until the end, which allowed him to close in 11th place overall and first among the Under23. Race all in recovery for Mattia Setti, who has remedied to the non-perfect first lap clocking consistently good times lap by lap, ending finally at 25th place Open. Day to forget for Stefano Valdrighi instead, which has unfortunately had to give up due to two mechanical problems that have completely compromised his performance. Eye focused on the next event in Montichiari (BS, Italy), International Horse Class race and second round of the Internazionali d'Italia Series, where the Team will be presented to the press and fans the day before the races.