Bahrain Victorious will conclude its September Italian campaign with two races on the Adriatic coast: the Memorial Marco Pantani on Saturday, September 12, and the Trofeo Matteotti on Sunday, September 13.
Both events return to the team’s calendar after a long absence. Bahrain Victorious last lined up at the Memorial Pantani in 2021, when Sonny Colbrelli triumphed in Cesenatico wearing the European Champion jersey he had won just a week earlier.
Beyond those fond memories, the team is looking forward to another hard-fought challenge on a demanding course. The 23rd edition of the Memorial Marco Pantani will cover 186.4 kilometres from Riccione to Cesenatico, with the finish located close to the monument dedicated to the legendary Italian champion.
The opening section heads inland on a 87.9-kilometre point-to-point route featuring the Passo delle Siepi and Gorolo climbs. The riders then enter the Longiano-Roncofreddo circuit, which will be tackled three times in full after an initial partial passage.
The key feature is the Via Felloniche, a steep 500-metre section averaging 14% and reaching gradients of up to 18%. The climb measures 1.6 kilometres overall at an average gradient of 9.5% and will count towards the KOM classification on all four passages. The circuit also includes the San Lorenzo climb, 1.7 kilometres at 7.9%, and the Roncofreddo ascent, 2.7 kilometres at 7.1%.
After leaving the hills, the riders will head towards the Adriatic coast on fast roads before a 20.4-kilometre straight-line section brings them back to Cesenatico. There, four final laps of the 5-kilometre city circuit will decide the race.
Sports Director Michal Golas expects several possible scenarios to play out on the demanding course.
“According to the course, this race is open to many different scenarios. I think the middle part is pretty demanding, with the circuit favouring riders who want to attack on the climbs. We are ready for this scenario, with both Lenny and Antonio in good shape and motivated to do well.
“We can count on them if the race develops this way, so they can be part of a selective group. For the finale, we can also keep Matej in consideration if the race comes down to a reduced bunch sprint, so we will have him there to secure our result.”
After a strong performance at the Coppa Sabatini, where he took 15th place, Bálint Feldhoffer will again join the team from the Development Team, alongside Leonardo Consolidani. Damiano Caruso will also return to the squad for the final races of the Italian block, while he and Kamil Gradek will provide important support to the team’s leaders.
The following day, Bahrain Victorious will line up at the Trofeo Matteotti, with the same seven-rider lineup.
First held in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II as a symbol of rebirth, the race is dedicated to the memory of Italian politician Giacomo Matteotti. The Trofeo Matteotti is renowned for its technical and punchy course, with a 15.22-kilometre circuit around the hills of Pescara repeated 13 times for a total distance of almost 200 kilometres.
With close to 2,800 metres of elevation gain, the race is a demanding test for rouleur-climbers and puncheurs. The key challenge comes on Via Tiberi, the steepest section of the circuit, where gradients reach 13% and the selection is expected to be made lap after lap.
The other main climb is Montesilvano Colle, which comes at kilometre 8.7. It is a steadier ascent and the highest point of the circuit, before the fast and technical descent of Via di Sotto leads the riders back towards the flatter roads.
Roman Kreuziger will direct the team in the Trofeo Matteotti, the final race of the Italian block.
“It’s the last race of this block. It’s a really nice course, fast but demanding. It consists of 15-kilometre laps that we do 13 times, with two nice climbs. From the last climb, it’s six kilometres to the finish.
“I think Antonio and Lenny can really shine on this course. We still have a very motivated team and they should be able to perform. We will have a better idea of the strategies once all the contenders are confirmed, but we know Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe with Pellizzari, who has shown great shape in the past few races, and UAE with Christen will be among the rivals to beat.
“But it’s definitely an elimination race. Passing the finish line every time is not easy, and the course will be demanding. We should have good weather and good conditions, which will help us a lot.
“So, let’s cross our fingers that we can finish the September campaign as we started it: with Antonio in Larciano, then Lenny and Antonio doing well at Giro della Toscana. We had a disappointing day in the Coppa Sabatini, but I’m confident that in Pantani and Matteotti we can shine again.”
