The first Italian MTB circuit takes on the challenge: “More communication and quality to bring the public”
With one and a half months to go until the first race of the new season, on May 4th in Verona. The Internazionali d’Italia Series’ organizers revealed their ambitious program during the Italian Cycling Federation’s presentation on Wednesday January 18th in Milan.
The most important Italian offroad circuit, coordinated by CM Outdoor Events under the aegis of the Italian Cycling Federation and the International Cycling Union, presented the five stages of the 2017 edition – one more than last season. In attendance, among others, Italian Cycling Federation President Renato Di Rocco, FCI Lombardy’s Committee President Cordiano Dagnoni, and the Italian National Teams’ coordinator Davide Cassani. Chiara Teocchi of Team Bianchi Countervail, winner in the Women’s Elite category at the Internazionali d’Italia Series 2016, also took part in the event.
Five races will determine who will be on the final podium will be.
March 4th 2017: Verona International (C2)
March 12th 2017: Milano – La Montagnetta International (C1)
April 2nd 2017: Montichiari (BS) – Trofeo Delcar International (HC)
April 9th 2017: Nalles (BZ) – Marlene Sudtirol Sunshine Race (C1)
June 3rd 2017: Courmayeur (AO) International (C1)
“From last year, the Internazionali d’Italia Series actually shaped themselves as a circuit of the likes of Bundesliga and BMC Cup, the most important in Europe – CM Outdoor Events’ Michele Mondini explained – and the way the public and the teams reacted to our proposal is a clear statement that this is the way to go. This year, we hope for another leap in quality, with coordinated logistics and image through the whole circuit, and a new communication team that will help us to increase the Internazionali d’Italia’s importance and influence, in Italy and abroad.”
Another important news of Intenazionali d’Italia Series 2017 will be the Expo Area for the sponsors, to be opened on the race days. “We will have a hospitality area at every stage,” said Luca Carton of CM Outdoor Events. “Our experience as professionals in the MTB world took us on the main Cross Country events around, starting with the World Cup. Our goal is to work with dedication to move closer to this benchmark of excellence, and we are very confident to take important steps in that direction in 2017.”
Also in 2017, the Internazionali d’Italia are expecting the greatest names in the cross-country world: the Team Bianchi Countervail of last year’s winners Stephane Tempier and Chiara Teocchi, joined by newcomer Marco Aurelio Fontana, already confirmed, and will soon be joined by more top-level names. One thing is for sure, it will be another major show.
THE STAGES
March 4th 2017: Verona International (C2). Organizer: ASD Giomas
The new stage of the 2017 Internazionali d’Italia, following in their strategy to bring Mountain Bike to the greater public, taking the show into the cities. A path started last year with the Milano event, rewarded by a huge success.
This city event will take place in Colombare park, just a few kilometers away from the Verona city center. The circuit, about 4,5 km long, is completely natural and features some technical stretches, and should favor the fans’ access.
March 12th 2017: Milano – La Montagnetta Internazionale (C1). Organizer: ASD Novagli
ADS Novagli continues in its project, bringing the show back to the “Montagnetta di San Siro”. The route will be enhanced with new spectacular stretches, hoping for an even more extensive participation of riders and public. The race has immediately collected the fans’ favor.
April 2nd 2017: Montichiari (BS) – Trofeo Delcar Internazionale (HC). Organizer: ASD Novagli
Now in its sixth edition, Trofeo Delcar represents one of the most established fixtures of the circuit, along with the Nalles stage. This event is known to provide an amazing show for the public, and lots of fun for the athletes as well. The beautiful Bonoris Castle, and the tough and technical stretches make the Montichiari route unique. The Trofeo Delcar will be the only HC race in Italy for the 2017 season.
April 9th 2017: Nalles (BZ) – Marlene Südtirol Sunshine Race (C1). Organizer: Sunshine Racer
Marlene Südtirol Sunshine Race is known as one of the most demanding races internationally. Nalles features an “old school” circuit, a long climb with hairpins and a long and technical descent. This race can make a difference in the overall, as it brings out some technical skills that don’t always emerge in other challenges.
June 3rd 2017: Courmayeur (AO) Internazionale (C1). Organizer: Velo Club Courmayeur
The Courmayeur event closes the circuit by assigning double scores to the winners: a thrilling final rush for the overall classification. The natural route is shaped just a few meters away of the town center, and its strategic position is expected to lure the most important teams in Europe.
Milan (Italy), January 19th, 2017
