Filippo Colombo and Candice Lill win the first round in the Salamina Epic Race #1

Filippo Colombo takes the victory in the first race of the Salamina Epic Race 2024 ahead of Tomer Zaltsman and Mathis Azzaro. The Swiss rider imposed his law and starts the week on the right foot, where he will have to compete in three races. In the women's category, the podium was formed by Candice Lill, Kate Courtney, and Greta Siewald.

Filippo Colombo strikes first: millimetric victory in Salamina Epic Race #1

The XCO season continues and the riders continue to tune their physical condition for the highlight of the year: the Olympic Games in Paris. Olympic spots are more expensive than ever, and events like the Salamina Epic Race attract the attention of some of the best cyclists in the discipline. The Greek island of Salamina becomes a mine of points: three races - two C1 and one HC - to distribute no less than 220 points.

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The riders competed in mild temperatures during the first race; Salamina dressed in its best attire, and the Kanika massif - where the circuit is located - welcomed the 51 cyclists who gathered at the start line with strict punctuality.

Filippo Colombo crossed the finish line in first place and claimed victory in what was the first race of the season for him. The Scott SRAM rider already competed in the Greek island in three other races last October and was also able to turn the first one into a victory. Now, he conquers the first position again by winning by a hair in the tight sprint finish he had with Zaltsman.

The second position, therefore, went to Tomer Zaltsman. The Israeli has had modest results in the World Cup and has built his resume in lower-level races, where he has played an important role. In fact, the national two-time champion has won all six races he has competed in this year, all of them in his home country. The rider has made the most of his good form and surprised with a well-deserved silver medal.

 

 

 

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On the other hand, the young cyclist from Decathlon Ford Racing Team, Mathis Azzaro, secured the third position by winning a tight duel against his teammate Joshua Dubau and Maxime Marotte. The three French riders arrived together at the finish line, and Azzaro showed an extra burst of speed that allowed him to reach the podium. After the Chelva Internationals, the Frenchman lands on the right foot and conquers a podium in the first battle of Salamina.

Results Salamina Epic Race #1

1. Filippo Colombo 1h 22' 51"
2. Tomer Zatlsman +0"
3. Mathis Azzaro +16"
4. Joshua Dubau +16"
5. Maxime Marotte +16"
6. Martins Blums +24"
7. Fabio Püntener +49"
8. Thomas Litscher +1'09"
9. Andri Frischknecht +1'34"
10. Mario Bair +1'49"

Candince Lill continues unstoppable and confirms the good start of the season

The women's category also features a high level of participation with some of the heavyweights of the discipline. Candice Lill pumped the pedals more than anyone and turned the good sensations into a victory: after kicking off the season in South Africa in first place, she now repeats the result in Greek territory. The current continental and national champion delivers a great performance that earns her valuable UCI points and looks optimistically towards the upcoming races.

Similar to the men's race, Scott SRAM and the Decathlon Ford Racing Team placed one of their cyclists on the podium. Kate Courtney finished second and was satisfied with the result, although she is already thinking about tomorrow.

On the other hand, Greta Seiwald, who we already saw in the Shimano Supercup Massi in La Nucía and who missed Chelva due to a fall in training, finished in third place.

Without even granting a day of rest, the second round of the Salamina Epic Race will take place tomorrow.

Results Salamina Epic Race #1 - Women's

1. Candice Lill 1h 24'37"
2. Kate Courtney +43"
3. Greta Seiwald +47"
4. Kelsey Urban +2'12"
5. Paula Gorycka +2'16"
6. Lotte Koopmans +2'47"
7. Emeline Detilleux +3'40"
8. Ella Maclean-Howell 6'31"
9. Patrice Srnská +7'06"
10. Carla Hahn +7'53"