Great success for the first day of competition with the Sprint and Youth Duathlon races at the start
Cesenatico, May 11, 2024 – The debut day of Challenge Cesenatico saw a remarkable turnout and thrilling competitions under the sunny skies. The spotlight was on the sprint distance races, featuring both men’s and women’s categories, along with junior duathlons (6 – 15 yo). Over 600 participants, spanning various age groups, converged at the Transition Area in front of the Race Village for today’s events.
The women’s race kicked off at 9:30 a.m. with around a hundred competitors taking to the starting line. The 750-meter swim leg witnessed a flurry of athletes vying for the lead. Chiara Cocchi of Triathlon Duathlon Rimini emerged as the first out of the water, closely followed by a trio of contenders.
Cocchi maintained her lead during the cycling leg, only to be caught by a chasing group halfway through, including Goller, Pucciarelli, Severei, and Spreafico. A collaborative effort propelled this pack into T2, securing them a substantial lead of 30’’ over the rest of the field.
The 5-kilometer run ultimately decided the medal placements. Cocchi surged ahead early on, leaving Spreafico to settle for second place. Lena Goller clinched the final spot on the podium, albeit facing some challenges during the run.
At 1:00 p.m., it was the men’s turn to tackle the sprint distance course, with 260 athletes split into two waves. Despite Alessandro Degasperi of Doloteam boasting the top ranking, it was Nicolò Sancisi who immediately asserted his dominance from the swim leg.
Sancisi’s relentless pace saw him establishing a commanding lead by the halfway mark of the bike leg. Holding onto his advantage, Sancisi cruised into T2 with a comfortable margin, securing his victory. Meanwhile, Degasperi showcased his experience and running prowess, staging a remarkable comeback to claim second place. The podium was rounded off by the youthful Emiliano Tassinari.
The inaugural Challenge Cesenatico Sprint Triathlon concluded on a high note, setting the stage for future editions of this thrilling event.
