Mont Sainte-Anne, in the foothills of Quebec, officially wrapped up the 2024 UCI MTB World Series, marking the close of the season for the Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team's XCO squad. In the late hours of the European night, the riders gave it their all, pushing hard to achieve one last big result.
European champion Simone Avondetto did just that, finishing 5th on the Canadian XCO course, securing a spot on the podium. This performance matched his best World Cup result of the season, achieved in Haute-Savoie in July. Gustav Heby Pedersen also delivered his top performance of the year, finishing 6th in the U23 XCO race, capping off a solid end to the season. Ginia Lara Caluori secured two 7th-place finishes, both in the U23 XCO and XCC, which allowed her to confirm her 5th-place standing in the overall World Cup rankings. Meanwhile, Giada Specia wrapped up her elite race with a respectable 13th place.
"It was a comeback race," said Avondetto, reflecting on his strong 2024 season. "I had a decent start but not the best, so I had to work my way up. In the second part, I felt I still had energy, so I pushed hard and caught up with the leading chase group. In the final lap, we fought for podium positions. I’m really happy to end both the World Cup and my season like this.”
"It wasn't really my kind of course," Caluori admitted. "The track was technical and slippery, so I struggled to find my rhythm. But overall, I’m happy with how I felt and to finish 5th in the World Cup standings.”
"It went exactly as planned," added G. Pedersen. "I wanted to start strong and stay at the front right from the first lap, and I managed to do that. I kept pushing with everything I had. Finishing the season with a 6th place in the World Cup is huge."
Now, as the XCO riders head back to Italy, they can enjoy some well-deserved rest before aiming for more success in 2025.
Commentaires