Sam Gaze wins the Mairipora XCC World Cup

Samuel Gaze takes the victory in the Mairipora XCC World Cup. Schwarzbauer was the main protagonist with a leadership that he extended until the final part of the race, in which the New Zealander took over and pedaled strongly to prevail in the last meters that were disputed in a sprint.

Sam Gaze debuts in the 2024 XCC World Cup with victory

The forty riders appeared punctually in Mairipora to kick off the XCC season of the World Cup. A handlebar touch forced Sam Gaze to maintain balance and he narrowly avoided a fall in the first meters, which did cause a tangle in the rear of the group. After a somewhat tumultuous start, the spotlight focused on a front group already led by Luca Schwarzbauer and his trademark offensive style.

The German left aside the customary truce of the first pedal strokes - often devoid of battle - and pulled the group forcefully to break the deck from the start. The hostilities were well received by the top riders, who responded disciplined to the leader's attacks.

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Sarrou and Fluckiger remained behind, although in reality the brutality of the early stages was insufficient to drop any of the favorites. Thus, a compact front group continued to add minutes to the clock without losing sight of the victory.

Schwarzbauer's reign came to an end at the hands of Vidaurre, who showed from the beginning fresh legs and a desire to play a major role. With the halfway point reached, it was Gaze who took on the responsibility of leading the race.

The race then entered a phase of calm - if that can exist in an XCC World Cup race - until Schwarzbauer launched an attack on one of the climbs of the Brazilian circuit. The German's move found a response from those following him, although it served as a warning.

The riders, still very close together, completed another lap without anyone putting out the watts to break away solo. The clock ticked relentlessly and the equality shown throughout the day suggested a sprint finish.

Gaze positioned himself first at the start of the last lap. And before facing the climb where all kinds of attacks could be expected, he spurred on and forced the rest to do the same. Koretzy -fourth- overtook Vidaurre -third- but Schwarzbauer -second- thwarted his progression in an attempt to squeeze the last drop of effort from his quadriceps.

Gaze remained in the lead in an agonizing sprint finish and sealed the first victory of the 2024 XCC World Cup season in Mairipora. Schwarzbauer followed him in second place and a great Vidaurre crossed the line in third position.

Mairipora 2024 XCC World Cup Results - Men

1. Sam Gaze 20'17"
2. Luca Schwarzbauer +0"
3. Martin Vidaurre +0"
4. Victor Koretzky +1"
5. Thomas Litscher +2"
6. Joshua Dubau +3"
7. Jordan Sarrou +5"
8. Nino Schurter +6"
9. Simon Andreassen +6"
10. Jens Schuermans +8"