Sam Gaze wins in a final sprint against five riders the XCC World Cup in Val di Sole

Sam Gaze takes the victory in the XCC World Cup of Val di Sole. The rainbow jersey prevailed in the tight battle between the five riders who crossed the finish line at the front. Koretzky, always in the background, finished second and a great Schuermans crossed the line in third position.

Sam Gaze conquers the XCC World Cup of Val di Sole

The iconic Val di Sole circuit welcomed the fourth round of the XCC World Cup season with a sky alternating between sun and clouds. The race started with a clean start with Simon Andreassen taking the initial lead of the day. The high pace was set from the beginning, although after the initial spark, the riders lowered the watts. Sam Gaze, Charlie Aldridge, and Nino Schurter positioned themselves behind the provisional leader at the front of a huge group that did not suffer any casualties.

Aldridge took the lead and was able to minimize the attacks from those eager to take the lead. Time to save energy. The lack of attacks was compensated with an exchange of positions that resulted in an intense jersey dance to secure the best position.

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Schwarzbauer made an appearance after a rare start in the background for him. The German briefly appeared, overshadowed by other riders claiming their share of the spotlight. The Schwarzbauer effect ended in nothing and Fini took over at the front.

However, it was Luca Braidot who emerged as the main protagonist of the race with a surprising attack that only met silence from the rest of the peloton. The Italian pushed the pedals and managed to open a gap instantly, to the indifference of Schwarbauer, Schurter, Sarrou, and everyone else. The advantage solidified and Braidot started the seventh lap with about nine seconds of advantage.

The race continued and, after a fall that ruined Avondetto's chances, Colombo successfully caught up to Braidot.

The grouped front faced the final stretch of the competition with all options open. Schurter pushed the pedals and squeezed his quadriceps in an effort to escape on a solo adventure. The Swiss rider's intentions were in vain with the disciplined response from those following him. Shortly after, Blevins repeated the formula and faced the same unfortunate result as Schurter.

Last lap. Schuermans took the lead and, although he was unable to create a gap that would distance him from the small front group, he continued to reduce kilometers with apparent freshness.  Tension increased as the riders headed towards the final part of the circuit.

Koretzky showed up, Colombo pushed hard, and Schuermans and Schurter stuck to his wheel, but it was Gaze who made the winning move in a sprint contested by the five. The rainbow jersey of the discipline wins after the victory he achieved in Mairipora in the first World Cup of the season.

XCC World Cup Results Val di Sole 2024 - Men

1. Sam Gaze 19'02"
2. Victor Koretzky +1"
3. Jens Schuermans +1"
4. Nino Schurter +1"
5. Filippo Colombo +2"
6. Sebastian Fini +8"
7. Jordan Sarrou +9"
8. Alan Hatherly +10"
9. Pierre De Froidmont +12"
10. Mathias Fluckiger +13"