Prime conditions and SCOTT SRAM almost in full force on Italian soil meant everything was set for a successful early-season hitter. A superb win by Kate, a hard-fought 2nd by Nino, and a well-deserved 6th place finish by Andri Frischknecht are the spoils of racing in Elba.
Capoliveri-Elba, Italy. The second race of the Internazionali d’Italia brought us to one of the most beautiful places for mountain bike racing. Elba, the Mediterranean island off the coast of Tuscany offered stunning views and perfect weather and best of all, one-of-a-kind race conditions.
With logistics already being an adventure on its own and COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, SCOTT-SRAM didn’t take it for granted to actually get the chance to race again. Thanks to a hard-working Capolieveri Legend Cup organization, the team enjoyed the Easter weekend of racing, especially as it was a quite successful one. A weekend that makes clear, the team’s efforts and dedication are paying off.
Race with a view – Capolieveri- Elba
Photo: EGO Promotion
The 2020 racing season has been a difficult one, not only for Kate Courtney. Ever-changing schedules, many hurdles and things that didn’t go according to plan. Her last race victory goes back to Les Gets in July 2019 due to almost no racing in the 2020 season. No wonder she was very hungry to finally get something back for all the hard work she put in for more than a year now. New season, new goals, new chances. Looking sharp racing again, it’s fair to say she was eager for a successful comeback and back for winning!
With a good portion of self-confidence, she set the pace right from the start to spread out the field. However, Italy’s Chiara Teocchi of Team Infinity was able to hold the pressure on Kate throughout the race. Going into the last lap they were only 6 seconds apart. Kate showed better breath in the finale to eventually take home the win by 25 seconds. Caroline Bohe of Denmark and Italian champion, Eva Lechner were the next to cross the line.
Kate in action, proving she’s in excellent shape.
Photos: Michele Mondini, EgoPromotion
“I couldn’t ask for a better way to start the season or a more beautiful place to do it. The course here on Elba was technical and very demanding mentally, so I focused on riding my own race and getting into a smooth rhythm on track. I am proud to come away with the win and take first step forward on my comeback tour after a lot of time away from racing and a few disappointing world cups last year!”
Kate Courtney
World Cup Champion 2019
SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing
The winner of the first race of the Internazionali d’Italia, Lars Forster, was missing at the start line. But with the debut of Nino Schurter’s race season, the hopes for another victory were high.
However, Nino knew it wasn’t going to be an easy one with Brazilian, Henrique Avancini, Frenchman, Maxime Marotte, and Italian champion, Luca Braidot as just a few of the many fastest guns in MTB racing lining up at the start.
Even though there was no time to enjoy the view, the race track and view were outstanding.
Photo: Michele Mondini
With Nino Schurter setting the pace, a lead group of 6 riders formed early in the race. All the favorites included and the race became a tactical affair. Nino decided to keep the pace high and lead the group for most of the race over the technical Elba racecourse.
With only two laps to go, Schurter, Avancini and Marotte remained at the front. However, the top 10, including Andri Frischknecht still stayed in touch within half a minute. An exciting finale was to come, in which Brazilian Henrique Avancini managed to get in front for the last two minutes of the race and did not let go of his position even with Nino Schurter sitting on his heels.
“The first race of the season hurts always a bit more than the ones to come. I felt good and was the dominant rider in the lead group. But this was not enough to make the difference during the race. In the finale the explosives it takes to beat a strong riding Henrique Avancini in the sprint, was not quite there yet. But all in all I’m satisfied with this season start.“
Nino Schurter
8x World Champion, 2020 European Champion & Olympic Champion
SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing
Andri Frischknecht had a weekend of good learnings. He traveled to Elba in great shape and hungry to prove this with a good result. A severe crash prior to the race almost ended the chance of even being at the starting line. With 5 stitches in his left knee he wanted to give it a try anyway. His tactic was fighting like a warrior to overcome the pain in his knee. It somehow worked out, in sight of the leading group all through the race he established himself in the top ten. With a strong finale he even moved up to a great 6th place finish. Sometimes it’s good if there is not much to loose but even more to win.
Andri on his way to a respective 6th place finish after a near weekend-ending crash in practice.
Photo: EgoPromotion
“Racing is about overcoming obstacles. I figured if I go hard enough, I won’t feel my injured knee anymore. It worked! Proud of the outcome under the given circumstances.”
Andri Frischknecht
SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing
The SCOTT-SRAM Team is heading now to Massa Vecchia, Tuscany before traveling to the next stop of the Internazionali d’Italia in Nalles. There the whole team including Lars Forster will #huntforglory.
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