The Italian International Championships – Rider Cup and Coppa Italia titles have been awarded, with the national downhill season coming to a spectacular close in Lombardy’s Valtellina region.

A Toast to Madesimo

The national downhill season came to a spectacular close in Lombardy’s Valtellina region, with the titles awarded in both the Italian International Championships – Rider Cup and the Coppa Italia.

Nothing was taken for granted, and anything could happen in every category. In the end, Davide Palazzari and Lisa Gava claimed victory in the elite categories, while Simone Zurlo and Zaira Shah triumphed among the youth riders (Esordienti), and Michele Rinaldi and Martina Spinello among the junior youth category (Allievi).

A great start to race weekend with over 200 riders

If fine weather is a sign of things to come, the race weekend got off to a fantastic start on Friday, when over 200 riders began tackling the “Valle delle Streghe” course, which hosted the Italian Downhill Championships last year.

Wonderful weather at altitude and a technical, physically demanding track provided the perfect setting for one of the most eagerly awaited events of the season: the finals of Italy’s two most prestigious downhill circuits.

The Italian International Championships: three incredible races

In their inaugural season, the Italian International Championships featured three spectacular races: the opening round on the stunning Aprica course, the second round on Bormio’s Olympic slopes, and the grand finale in beautiful Madesimo.

These three thrilling races confirmed Lombardy’s leading role in mountain biking, supported by Valtellina and the host municipalities. All events were included in the UCI calendar (the international cycling federation), which recognised and approved the regulations and awarded valuable points towards the international rankings.

Above all, the series offered prize money worthy of major international competitions. In Madesimo, in addition to more than €5,000 in race prizes, circuit winners received prizes worth €1,000 each.

Podiums and prizes

The series proved a success from its very first year. Everyone was delighted to see the outstanding Davide Palazzari (Team Unno – Rogue Racing) lift the trophy, as one of Italy’s top riders returned to victory in a prestigious competition featuring numerous international athletes in the overall standings.

In the women’s elite category, Lisa Gava (Team Honda Downhillher – BMT Valsassina) took the win, confirming her place among Italy’s leading active female riders.

There was also a special surprise for the youngest competitors, who each received €1,000 worth of equipment, along with the prestigious trophy dedicated to Riccardo Gioberto, named in honour of the youth categories.

It was an incredible weekend, with races decided by hundredths of a second and every rider giving their all right to the finish line.

The Coppa Italia also celebrated a host of podium finishers following its five rounds in Febbio, Aprica, Bormio, Sestriere and Madesimo.

The overall winners were:

• Open Men: Jan Laner

• Open Women: Lisa Gava

• Esordienti Women: Norma Rocca

• Esordienti Men: Simone Zurlo

• Allievi Women: Martina Spinello

• Allievi Men: Michele Rinaldi

• Junior Women: Margherita Borgna

• Junior Men: Marco Morini

• Masters Men: William Bortoloso

• Masters Women: Chiara Pastore

It was a fantastic season, with many young riders taking part alongside their families, established champions and new faces making their racing debut. Masters riders shared their passion with the next generation, while the professionals who inspire us in the World Cup competed alongside the future stars of the sport.

Looking ahead to next season

“The next appointment is in 2027, with plenty of new developments,” said Riccardo Tagliabue of Downhill Italia.

He went on to thank everyone who supported the series and placed their trust in the organisers, starting with the many sponsors who provide prizes for the riders and much more.

He also thanked all the host municipalities for believing in sport and mountain biking, and for their continued commitment to the future; the volunteers who make these events possible; the rescue teams, physiotherapists and doctors who accompany the riders at every race; and Regione Lombardia and Valtellina for supporting projects dedicated to sport and young people.

His thanks extended to the Italian and international cycling federations, all the teams and parents who devote time, money and resources to supporting the athletes, and the Downhill Italia staff, whose commitment continues to grow year after year.

Finally, he thanked every rider, from the youngest competitors to the most experienced athletes, including those racing in national series and those inspiring fans on the World Cup, World Championship and European Championship courses.

“Follow us on social media: you’ll soon discover what we have planned for next year.

THANK YOU ALL!”

Full results are available at www.downhillitalia.it