In 2018, the Italian Cross Country circuit will rely on the support of three established cycling brands. The 2018 project will be presented in Milan on February 26th.
Winter isn’t gone yet, but the crave for Mountain Bike is already here: the big names are facing early competitive efforts of the season, in preparation of the World Cup debut, and Internazionali d’Italia Series – the main Italian MTB XCO circuit, managed by CM Outdoor Events with the backing of the Italian Cycling Federation and the International Cycling Union – gets ready to launch its new edition.
On Monday February 26th at the Coni Palace in Milan, the circuit will have its opening act with the official presentation. After the four stages of the 2018 edition have been unveiled, from the debut in Nals on April 15th to the close on June 30th in Chies d’Alpago, – the presentation will provide the occasion to discover the Internazionali d’Italia Series project.
The support of three main partners with a long and prestigious history in mountain biking: Northwave and Shimano, returning after the positive experience of 2017, will be joined by new-entry Vittoria.
An Italian shoe company, leader in the mountain bike world for 25 years, Northwave has evolved to become a quality brand in technical apparel. As in 2017, Internazionali d’Italia Series leaders’ jerseys will be manufactured by Northwave Custom Project, the atelier dedicated to customized apparel at the company’s headquarters in Onigo di Pederobba. “For a brand like Northwave, whose binds with cross country are historical and well-documented – said Northwave Communication Manager Mauro Baldini, – to be present in such a significant way in a growing project like Internazionali d’Italia Series is very strategical. The direct on-field experience helped us to strengthen our relationships with the athletes, as well as creating new opportunity for development, that we expect will keep us to the front of this market for years to come.”
The importance of being on the field of play, next to the athletes, is core to the vision and strategy of Shimano, World leader in cycling components, as highlighted by Shimano Italy’s Communication Manager Marco Cittadini. “The new management of Internazionali d’Italia understands and supports both the growth of the movement and the needs of the company. Shimano’s event strategy is based on service: we choose to be personally on the field of play, on the side of the teams’ riders and bike manufacturers, because we think this is functional to the growth and establishment of the movement as a whole. This approach makes a difference: it’s not by chance that most of the Italian top athletes are now using Shimano components. Good luck to everybody for a new racing season.”
Leading brand in bicycle tires, in both the road and offroad worlds, Vittoria can boast a great history and presence in the MTB environment on its own, and looks forward to stepping up even further joining the Internazionali d’Italia 2018 adventure. Everything looks in place for another spectacular season to enjoy.
2018 Internazionali d’Italia Series calendar:
April 15th: Marlene Südtirol Sunshine Race – Nalles (BZ) – Cat. HC
April 22nd: Titano XCO – San Marino (SMR) – Cat. C2
June 10th: Aprutium Race – Pineto (TE) – Cat. C2
June 30th: Alpago MTB Trophy – Lamosano di Chies d’Alpago (BL) – Cat. C1
Verona (Italy), February 22nd, 2018
The World Champion Jolanda Neff © in action at 2017 Internazionali d’Italia Series – (Credits: Elena Martinello).
