Passion for cycling and territorial enhancement met in the Agrigento archaeological park: 336 riders were present to highlight the second edition of the Valle dei Templi MTB Gran Fondo, protagonists of an extraordinary day dedicated entirely to mountain bikes.

The Akra Bike Agrigento organization led by Cristian Licata - with the patronage of the municipal administration headed by Mayor Franco Miccichè and the local support of Archaeological Park Director Roberto Sciarratta - meticulously curated every detail to ensure the perfect execution of the event, won by the great favorite Andrea Virga over an indomitable Manuel Oddo and a tenacious Antonino Analfino.

The bikers faced two circuits: a long 45 km route with 1400 meters of elevation gain and a short 20 km route with 600 meters of elevation gain.

The most intense emotions came at the finale with the passage over the GPM that triggered continuous attacks from the breakaway trio composed of Andrea Virga, Manuel Oddo, and Antonino Analfino. Thanks to the forcing by the two opponents, occurring 10 km from the finish line, Antonino Analfino was the first to give way, with Virga and Oddo remaining to contest the overall final victory. Virga managed to break away from Oddo in the last kilometer, crossing the finish line with arms raised. The local rider Analfino secured third place.

Men's Overall Ranking
1. Andrea Virga - Team Race Mountain
2. Manuel Oddo - GDS team Competition
3. Antonino Analfino - Racing Team Agrigento
4. Giovanni Fazio - Extreme Bike Nicolosi
5. Samuele Cardile - Team bike del Tirreno

A superb performance among women by Lithuanian Greta Karasiovaite, who dominated from the early stages, completing her race in 2h16'30", beating the second-place finisher by 30 minutes.

Women's Overall Ranking
1. Greta Karasiovaite - Mongibello MTB team
2. Chiara Vitello - Racing team Agrigento
3. Benedetta Simonetti - Bike Project
4. Annamaria Occorso - Himera Bike
5. Milella Rusu - Sport Nutrition

Team Ranking
1. Akra Bike Agrigento
2. Finestrelle Bikers
3. Racing Team Agrigento
4. Gds Competition
5. Asd Bike Project

Cycling teaches us that we are not the result of what we say, but of what we do. Cristian Licata transformed and made extraordinary what was born as a humble objective, consistently shaping an event dedicated to the memory of local entrepreneur Giovanni Alessi, who will always remain in the hearts of all participants.

"Everyone worked to make this second edition unique," says Cristian Licata with proud enthusiasm. "Despite the challenging weather conditions the day before, the Akra Bike family worked twice as hard to ensure the safety of those who came to Agrigento from all over Sicily and beyond. I am extremely happy because all athletes who crossed the finish line congratulated the organizational team that I am honored to lead. A special thanks to Mayor Franco Miccichè, Sports Councilor Gerlando Piparo, Salvatore Carlino from the Forestry Department, Silvio Alessi, and finally Marzio Tuttolomondo from the Provincial Civil Protection. I feel honored and obligated to thank everyone for the welcome given to this race, in which I poured my passion with extreme care and attention."