Italy's MTB team confirms its supremacy in Europe for the second consecutive year in the Team Relay at the European Championships taking place in Melgaco, Portugal. Juri Zanotti, Elian Paccagnella, Martina Berta, Elisa Ferri, Valentina Corvi, and Ettore Fabbro overcame, in a race that was as always spectacular and hard-fought, the masters from Switzerland and Germany, thanks to a performance that saw them practically leading at every stage.

Team Coach Mirko Celestino was enthusiastic, praising the overall team performance: "It wasn't easy to start with the number 1 on our backs and as favorites. Juri Zanotti had some problems at the start but maintained his calm and didn't panic, recovering during his lap and passing the baton in the lead. I knew he was the right person precisely because of his great experience and ability to maintain high concentration levels. The rest of the team maintained the advantage, sometimes even increasing it in direct confrontations. Ettore Fabbro received the baton with a wide margin and controlled the expected and predictable comeback of a champion like Schurter. I'm happy with the overall response and team spirit shown by everyone, including those who didn't race but cheered on their teammates along the course."

The race saw the Azzurri always leading at each baton exchange, initially alongside Germany, then Denmark, which collapsed in the final exchanges, while the favorite Switzerland was making a strong comeback. Fabbro, the last rider, finished with a time of 1h02'18, with Switzerland arriving 39" behind, overtaking Germany in a sprint finish (at 40").

Juri Zanotti: "A group victory, well-deserved and rewarding everyone's commitment. In this specialty, we excel and manage to give the best of each individual. It's a great satisfaction."

The athletes and staff received congratulations from President Dagnoni: "Off-road continues to bring home titles. The fact that we traditionally excel in this specialty is proof of the overall value of our movement, thanks to the work of technicians and staff, as well as societies and athletes whom we will never tire of thanking."