From today until Sunday, July 27th, the picturesque town of Melgaço, in northern Portugal, is the European off-road capital, hosting the Mountain Bike European Championships for XCC, XCR, and XCO disciplines. 13 titles are up for grabs in Team Relay, Cross-Country, and Short-Track, across Elite, Under 23, and Junior categories. 323 athletes from 32 countries are ready to compete on the technical city tracks in the heart of the Viana do Castelo district.

Head Coach Mirko Celestino has selected 19 athletes for the event. Present are the Italian champions crowned last weekend in Tabiano Terme and the outgoing European champion, Simone Avondetto. Last year, at the Continental Championships in Romania, Italy won the Team Relay title and two bronze medals, with Luca Braidot in Short Track and Giada Martinoli in Juniors.

Today, the team conducted a reconnaissance of the race track. Here's Head Coach Mirko Celestino's assessment: "The course is fast and technical, completely natural, without artificial obstacles, characterized by roots and rocks. It reminds me of a mix between Monte Tamaro and Nove Mesto, developing under a pine forest with pleasant weather. It doesn't present extreme difficulties but requires good technical skills. Starting at the front will be crucial, because from the fifth position onwards, you'll eat a lot of dust due to the dry climate. Our goal is to defend Avondetto's title and we'll always try to honor the Relay. The athletes are in good shape and are excited about the track, considered one of the most beautiful of the season. This can make a difference in the race."

Italian Athletes Called Up

Elite Men
Avondetto Simone Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team
Braidot Luca G.S. Fiamme Oro
Zanotti Juri Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team

Elite Women
Berta Martina Centro Sportivo Esercito
Teocchi Chiara Centro Sportivo Esercito
Pesse Nicole CS Carabinieri Cicli Olympia

U23 Men
Bassignana Fabio KTM - Protek - Elettrosystem
Paccagnella Elian Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team
Peruzzo Giulio KTM - Protek - Elettrosystem

U23 Women
Bramati Lucia Trinx Factory Team
Cortinovis Sara Centro Sportivo Esercito
Corvi Valentina Canyon CLLCTV XCO

Junior Men
Brafa Federico Rosario KTM - Protek - Elettrosystem
Cao Pietro Trinx Factory Team
Fabbro Ettore KTM - Protek - Elettrosystem
Rial Elia Scott Racing Team

Junior Women
Azzetti Nicole Team Guerrini
Ferri Elisa Zhiraf Pagliaccia
Pellizotti Giorgia Trinx Factory Team

Finals Schedule

Thursday, July 24
11:00 – 11:30: Junior Women XCC
11:45 – 12:15: Junior Men XCC
16:00 – 16:30: Elite + U23 Women XCC
16:45 – 17:15: Elite + U23 Men XCC

Friday, July 25
15:30 – 16:30: Team Relay (XCR)

Saturday, July 26
11:00 – 12:15: Junior Men XCO
14:15 – 15:30: Junior Women XCO
16:15 – 17:45: U23 Men XCO

Sunday, July 27
11:00 – 12:30: U23 Women XCO
13:30 – 15:10: Elite Women XCO
16:10 – 17:50: Elite Men XCO