Martin Vidaurre makes history in Val di Sole with the first elite victory for Chile in the XCO World Cup

Historic day for Chilean and Latin American mountain biking. Martin Vidaurre (Specialized Factory Racing) has imposed himself with authority in the men's elite race of the XCO World Cup in Val di Sole, achieving his first victory in the elite category and also signing Chile's first victory in an XCO World Cup of this category.

Martin Vidaurre wins his first XCO World Cup in Val di Sole

The men's race started very open, with numerous riders riding within just 30 seconds in the first few laps. Filippo Colombo was the first to make a move with a strong change of pace in lap 3 that left him leading solo, but a puncture shortly after took him out of the podium fight. It was then that names like Mathis Azzaro, Luca Braidot, Charlie Aldridge, Julian Schelb and a discreet, but consistent, Martin Vidaurre who was climbing positions lap after lap began to stand out.

In lap 6, Azzaro took the lead and seemed to have the situation under control, while Vidaurre was still riding more than 15 seconds behind the Frenchman. However, the Chilean did not rush and waited for his moment. Already in the seventh lap, he dangerously approached to be just 8 seconds behind and at the start of the last lap, he launched his final attack.

With a fast final lap of 10:39, Vidaurre went off on his own while Azzaro began to make errors due to fatigue. Nothing and no one could stop the Chilean, who crossed the finish line with a23-second lead and visibly excited. 

The surprise of the day was once again Swiss Fabio Püntener, who competes without an official team and continues to deliver outstanding performances. Today he climbed the podium for the first time with a third position that consolidates his status as the revelation of the season.

Final classification - Men's Elite XCO - Val di Sole 2025

1. Martin Vidaurre Kossmann (Chile) - Specialized Factory Racing - 1:27:42
2. Mathis Azzaro (France) - Origine Racing Division - +23 s
3. Fabio Püntener (Switzerland) - +39 s
4. Luca Braidot (Italy) - Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team - +47 s
5. Charlie Aldridge (United Kingdom) - Cannondale Factory Racing - +53 s

With this victory, Vidaurre writes a golden page for Chilean MTB.