The Orbea Factory Team signed its best weekend of the season in Crans Montana

The Orbea Factory Team leaves Crans Montana after nailing the best World Cup of the season. Luca Martin led the team with two podiums, while Anne Tauber was the other protagonist by also conquering the third step in the XCC race. Pierre De Froidmont came close to the top 10 in XCO and David Campos fought the first battle in his personal quest to return to his best level.

The three podiums of the Orbea Factory Team top off the team's best weekend in the World Cup

The Crans Montana World Cup was a brutal challenge for all riders; the circuit had a level of danger beyond what is usually seen in this competition and, despite the organization's attempts to protect some areas, the track conditions worsened for the XCO races. With just over a month to go until Paris 2024, skill was more important than ever to avoid a fall that could shatter the Olympic dream.

The Orbea Factory Team started the weekend off with a bang with Luca Martin's podium in the U23 Short Track. The Frenchman led the race and almost held onto the lead until the end, but he savored a great third place only surpassed by Riley Amos and Bjorn Riley.

The women's Short Track brought another pleasant surprise. Chiara Teocchi once again was one of the protagonists of the day with her usual fast and aggressive start. The Italian's pedaling took its toll on some cyclists, although the good performance in the early stages only translated into a final 24th place. The more conservative strategy of Anne Tauber was more effective and served to add the second podium of the weekend with a great third position.

The good momentum of the green team also spread to the XCO races. The difficulties of the track required precise material choices, although everyone agreed on choosing the Oiz to face the entire weekend. Luca Martin was the first to take action again, replicating the good feelings of the Short Track by fighting for victory and achieving another third position.

Pierre De Froidmont -tenth in Short Track- was another big name on the team. The Belgian's trajectory is getting better and better, and the eleventh place in the XCO reopens the possibility that he may soon be able to compete for the podium.

 

On the other hand, the Crans Montana World Cup was marked by the return of David Campos. The season promised to be a new year of growth for the Spanish rider, who was weakened by an infection and lost an Olympic spot he was already close to After a brief break for disconnection, returning to the top competition is the first step to getting back to his best level.