The Italian Cross Country main circuit has announced its five-event calendar for 2023, which will feature two new venues. The program includes the debut of Esanatoglia (Marche) and the return to Chies d’Alpago (Veneto), as well as confirmed events in San Zeno di Montagna (Veneto), Capoliveri (Elba, Tuscany), and La Thuile (Aosta Valley). Capoliveri and La Thuile will also host the Italian UCI Junior Series appointments
An exciting off-season marked by many transfers is approaching its culmination in the world of Mountain Biking, and the Cross-Country riders are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season. The riders will be competing with the goal of gaining UCI points for qualification at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the Internazionali d’Italia Series’ races are set to provide premium opportunities to gain them in the early part of the season.
The circuit, organized by CM Outdoor Events in cooperation with the Italian Cycling Federation, is acknowledged as a benchmark for the international mountain biking sector, thanks to a five-event calendar characterized by three Hors Catégorie races, which are the main level following only the UCI World Cup competitions. The Internazionali d’Italia Series is the only European circuit to host more than two Hors Categorie events.
The 2023 Internazionali d’Italia Series’ calendar features two important new developments: the debut of the Santoporo XC in Esanatoglia (Marche) and the return of the MTB Alpago Trophy in Chies d’Alpago (Veneto). The Pineta Sperane XCO in San Zeno di Montagna (Veneto) will kick off the series on March 18th, 2023. The calendar also includes confirmed events in Capoliveri (Elba Island, Tuscany) and La Thuile (Aosta Valley).
“In recent years, the Internazionali d’Italia Series has undergone important developments. We are proud of our progress and the 2023 calendar confirms our circuit at the top of the European movement,” said CM Outdoor Events’ Michele Mondini. “This is a significant achievement for us as organizers and for the Italian mountain biking community that we represent. In particular, young riders will have the opportunity to compete in international competitions without having to leave Italy.”
2023 INTERNAZIONALI D’ITALIA SERIES’ CALENDAR
March 18 : Pineta Sperane XCO | San Zeno di Montagna | C1
April 8: Capoliveri Legend XCO | Capoliveri-Isola d’Elba | HC
April 29: Santoporo XC | Esanatoglia | C1
June 3: La Thuile MTB | La Thuile | HC
July 8: MTB Alpago Trophy | Chies d’Alpago | HC
The Pineta Sperane XCO will once again open the Internazionali d’Italia Series at the foot of Monte Baldo, just a few kilometers from Lake Garda. San Zeno di Montagna provides the ideal setting for the early-season challenges.
The circuit continues with two events scheduled in April. During the Easter weekend (April 8), the Internazionali d’Italia Series will land on the Elba Island for the third edition of the Capoliveri Legend XCO. Despite its relatively recent history, the Capoliveri race has gained international recognition for its modern and spectacular course nestled among the natural beauty of Elba Island. Additionally, Capoliveri will host the first Italian appointment of the UCI Junior Series, the World Cup for the Junior categories.
Instead, the Santoporo XC in Esanatoglia (Marche) will make its debut at the Internazionali d’Italia Series on April 29 with a C1 appointment. Esanatoglia is recognized as one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy.
The second half of the Internazionali d’Italia Series’ season will begin in La Thuile (Aosta Valley) on June 3rd with an HC and UCI Junior Series event, while Chies d’Alpago (Belluno, Veneto) will host the final event on July 8th. Alpago will return to the international scene with many new features and a new race route inspired by modern Cross Country.
“The Internazionali d’Italia Series events are known for their clear vision and excellent quality, thanks to the credibility built in recent years. Our events are attractive and characterized by a high technical level, comparable to UCI World Cup events,” said Mondini.
In the 2022 Internazionali d’Italia Series, the overall classification was won by Italian Luca Braidot, who won two 2022 UCI World Cup events, and Giada Specia in the elite categories. Filippo Fontana topped the Men’s U23 GC. Marco Betteo and Valentina Corvi were crowned in the Junior categories.
Verona (Italy), January 16th, 2023
