Italy’s Fabio Zampese negotiates a rock garden like a true professional on his way to victory in the men’s 30-34 category at the UCI MTB Masters World Championships 2013 at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg. Photo: Darren Goddard / Gameplan Media
Italy claimed two of the three gold medals on the final day of competition at the UCI Mountain Bike Masters World Championships at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
Leading the way was Fabio Zampese, who produced the ride of the championship to oust Jan Withaar in the 30-34 category in the final race of the week-long event. In the 35-39 age group, fellow Italian Mirco Balducci produced a great ride to beat off South African national champion Paul Cordes to take the gold medal.
In the first race of the day, South Africa’s adopted German Nico Pfitzenmaier put the nightmare of the 2012 World Championships behind him to claim the rainbow jersey in the men’s 40-44 category after he fought off his Cape Epic partner, Brazilian Abraao Azevedo, to take the title.
The German-born rider produced a great ride to end just under a minute and a half ahead of the Brazilian. It was a dominant showing from Pfitzenmaier who led the entire way and was elated with his performance.
“I am feeling great. I had such a good race on an amazing course,” the newly crowned world champion said.
Results – Cross country men
30-34
1.Fabio Zampese (ITA) 1:47.30
2.Jan Withaar (RSA)1:49.25
3.Oscar Gracia (ARG) 1:52.52
4.Dion Froneman (RSA) 1:53.08
5.Gaston Larralde (ARG) 1:54.13
35-39
1.Micro Balducci (ITA) 1:43.50
2.Paul Cordes (RSA) 1:45.39
3.Brand du Plessis (RSA) 1:46.02
4.Lamarque Olivier (FRA) 1:46.28
5.Sondre Norland (NOR) 1:50.26
40-44
1.Nico Pfitzenmaier (RSA) 1:17.31
2.Abraao Azevedo (BRA) 1:18.58
3.Jose Baron Yuste (ESP) 1:19.25
4.Neil Bradford (RSA) 1:20.54
5.Gunnar Tojren (SWE) 1:22.15
For more UCI MTB Trials World Championships news, click here.
For more breaking sporting news and views, visit MySport24 on Twitter and Facebook.
Related articles
World warms up for Masters MTB Champs
Minnaar inspires young riders ahead of MTB World Champs
Positive feedback on MTB World Champs venue and infrastructure
Neethling ready for MTB World Cup fightback
