The first Italian joy has arrived at Val di Sole Bikeland, during the final day of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series dedicated to Olympic Cross Country. Credit goes to Valentina Corvi, winner of the U23 women's race after dominating from the first to the last lap.

In her Italian Champion jersey, the Lombard rider (Canyon CLLCTV), returning from an injury, secured her first World Cup victory, leaving Swiss rider Fiona Schibler behind by 30", and another Italian, Sara Cortinovis (Ghost Factory), third at 52".

Corvi and Cortinovis set a relentless pace from the early stages, with French rider Olivia Onesti (BH Coloma) as the first pursuer. However, during the third lap, Valentina Corvi's pace proved too tough even for Sara Cortinovis, who began losing ground pedal stroke by pedal stroke, while Swiss rider Schibler started a strong comeback behind them.

During the fourth lap, with Valentina Corvi already racing towards final victory, Schibler began gaining ground on Cortinovis, ultimately catching up just before the final lap. The Swiss rider skillfully positioned herself ahead of Sara Cortinovis in the last round: no Italian double, but the emotions of a success that propels Valentina Corvi among the reference athletes ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Valais.

"I'm extremely happy," Valentina Corvi stated. "I was returning from an injury, and this victory in my home race came immediately. It's still morning, but the crowd was incredibly supportive and fundamental. Both Sara (Cortinovis) and I tried to push to the maximum and create emotions for our fans. Val di Sole is unique: the audience, the sound of chainsaws - things you can only find here."