It wasn't a World Cup event, but the value remains unchanged. Great success for Mattia Agostinacchio in the Namur Cyclocross International, in Belgium, combined with the Cup event for elite categories. The European champion from Fas Airport Services Guerciotti confirms his international talent by conquering a high-level victory ahead of Austrian Valentin Hofer, yesterday's winner in Herentals, and Belgian Lennes Jacobs. The Valle d'Aosta rider, born in 2007, competed as a protagonist, highlighting an optimal form that allowed him to make the difference towards the finish line, where he preceded the favorite Hofer by 4" and the immediate chasers by 50". Also noteworthy is the sixth position of the artist's son Patrik Pezzo Rosola, increasingly convincing on European tracks where only these competitions can help our young talents grow. Tenth place for Ettore Fabbro, further confirmation of the value of our juniors in off-road racing.
"Valentin and I," explains Mattia Agostinacchio, 17 years old, in his second winter season in the junior category, "dominated the race from the start. On the ramp at the beginning of the 5th lap, I accelerated, gaining several dozen meters on Hofer, who was no longer able to catch up with me".
The international race was held on a difficult course. "In Namur, even when the sun is out on the circuit, there's always dangerous mud. It's a technical track with many steep slopes to overcome".
Despite the triumph of considerable international significance, the Valle d'Aosta junior, also skilled on the road, does not betray his aplomb: he is extremely rational, which does him credit. "I'm happy, not ecstatic. I think I still need to improve. It's true, I dropped Hofer and other riders I'll have to challenge at the World Championships. However, some were missing. I think I can still grow".