Two victories, two podiums and other interesting placements for the Ale CX Team, which during the cyclocross races over the weekend carried out dual activities competing with international categories in Friuli at Zoncolan, while the youth sector was competing at Castelnovo di Sotto in Emilia Romagna.
At the ZonCross Classic Internazionale-Memorial Stelio Pittin, a UCI C2 class race valid as the fourth round of the Giro delle Regioni Cyclocross circuit on the iconic Monte Zoncolan climb, the Modena-based team led by president Stefano Belloi triumphed twice. Gioele Bertolini, the tireless Valtellinese from Talamona, class of 1995, crossed the finish line first and commented on his success. "In the first race of the season I still had some uncertainties, but already in the second one I felt good sensations. My condition is improving and my legs are turning well. It's important because the most significant appointments are approaching".

The other victory bears the signature of Matilde Carretta, class of 2010, in her first season among the Juniors. "I'm very happy, especially because the course was tough and I didn't expect such a performance – said the Treviso native from Casier -. I gave everything: after the climb I was really exhausted, but I managed to hold on until the end. With Azzurra Rizzi it was a beautiful battle. I'd been trying to overtake her for a couple of Sundays and finally I managed it. I'm beginning to understand how far I can push myself, how to manage the race and how to face this new category. I dedicate my first victory to the Ale CX Team, to my parents and to all my teammates who always support me".

After two consecutive victories at Tarvisio and Osoppo, the South Tyrolean Pablo Zanolini closes the race in second place in the Beginners 2nd year category and, despite having competed in one fewer race than his opponents, now finds himself in third place in the general standings with 86 points, trailing second-placed Nicolò Causero (87) and leader Stefano Toffoli (88). Here are the other Ale CX Team placements: 6th Greta Masini (Women Junior), 7th Beatrice Maifré (Women Junior), 8th Sara Peruta (Women Junior), 7th Ettore Fabbro (Open), 8th Nicholas Scalorbi (Junior), 18th Riccardo Paolo Nadal (Junior). A severe back pain affected the race of Under 23 Nicole Azzetti (Women Open) who was forced to retire.
Four athletes from the Modena-based team competed at Castelnovo di Sotto in the 2nd Cyclocross dei Laghetti-Top Class, the first round of the Master Cross Emilia Romagna. Just short of victory was Rimini native Omar Berlini, second place in the 2nd year Juniors race, also on the podium was Emilian Carlotta Lunghi, third in the Women Juniors, just one step below Leire Storani Ruiz-Navarro (4th). Finally, 9th place for Gael Storani Ruiz-Navarro (Beginners 1st year).
Milena Cavani and Eva Lechner commented as follows. "We are very happy with this weekend of racing. It's nice to see boys and girls who have fun and at the same time help each other to improve. Gioele is our 'beacon athlete', an example for all the young people on our team".