KTM ProtekElettrosystem dominates the junior category with a double podium
San Zeno di Montagna (VR), 15th March 2025 – Federico Brafa secured his first victory in the junior category of the 2025 Internazionali d’Italia series, conquering the technical and demanding Pineta Sperane course. The young KTM Protek Elettrosystem rider took the solo victory in a gruelling race that was made all the more difficult by the heavy terrain following the previous day’s rain. Joining him on the podium were Ettore Fabbro (KTM Protek Elettrosystem) in second and Elia Rial (Scott Racing Team) in third.
“It was a tough race; we had to be very careful because even a small mistake could have cost us everything,” said Federico Brafa. “Ettore and I were leading from the start with a good gap. The track was really slippery and there wasn’t a single key section that made the difference. After one corner I suddenly had a few metres advantage so I decided to attack. It worked well!”
Ettore Fabbro, who finished second, shared his thoughts: “We knew we had to stay at the front and I made sure of that right from the start. When we crossed the line for the first time I saw that Fede (Brafa) was right with me, so we pushed together. Then he took the lead and managed to open up a gap. We had trained on this course with the national team earlier this month, which definitely helped, but unfortunately some of the lines we had studied weren’t usable due to the muddy conditions. Still, the training was really valuable.”
“I usually struggle in wet conditions, so I’m really happy with my result,” commented Elia Rial. “The only section where I could make up time was the long climb. Then I had to defend myself on the descents. Even though I felt I had strong legs compared to the others, I was hoping to do a bit more. Considering the conditions, I’m satisfied.”
Under a reluctant sun, 113 riders lined up at the start, facing a 3.5km course that would be repeated three times, with a muddy and treacherous surface adding to the challenge. From the start, Brafa and his team-mate Ettore Fabbro took control, setting a relentless pace and opening up a significant gap on the rest of the field on the first lap. By the end of the first lap the KTM duo had built up a lead of over a minute on their nearest rival, Pietro Cao (Trinx Factory Team).
On the penultimate lap Brafa launched his decisive attack, distancing Fabbro and entering the final lap with a 25-second advantage over his team-mate. Behind them Cao was more than 1’40” behind, followed by Elia Rial (Scott Racing Team) at around two minutes. On the final lap Rial managed to overtake Cao to take third place, with the Trinx rider finishing fourth.
