“You just have to get used to the cold; after that, you can make the most of the harsh winter months too.” That is the philosophy of the die-hard bikers of the “Meder Downhill Club” in Val Gardena.
In partnership with the Selva Tourist Board, on Sunday, January 27 the third edition of the spectacular mountain bike downhill night winter-race will take place. The 60 participants (maximum field size) will be transported to the start area at the top station of the Dantercepies gondola (2,300 m) by snowcats and snowmobiles, with the mass start scheduled for 11:00 PM. Every rider must have a light mounted on their helmet or bike; the race course will be lit only along the most technical sections, while for the rest of the run riders will rely on the moonlight.
Joining the local athletes will be mountain bikers from all over northern Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. Two riders from the Italian national MTB team will also line up: Martin Messavilla (winner of the 2012 edition) and Johannes von Klebelsberg. In addition, national FMX champion Vanni Oddera has confirmed his attendance.
The finish line will be set up at Hotel Corona in the center of Selva, and the awards ceremony will take place right after the race with plenty of music and mulled wine.
The course measures 3.6 km in length with an average gradient of 45%. In this fearless nighttime showdown, mountain bikes will reach speeds of 90 km/h, with winning times expected to be under four and a half minutes.
The spectacular race is organized by Stefano Novelli, President of the “Meder Downhill Club Gherdëina,” with the valuable support of the management and staff of the Dantercëpies gondola, the Selva Tourist Board, and sponsors GoPro, Halti, and POC.
For further information: Stefano Novelli info@hotelcondor.info tel. +39 347 0414848
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