The unacceptable episodes happened on March 12th at La Montagnetta put the future of Milan’s MTB event on the mend. “As of today, the conditions aren’t in place for a 2018 edition”
A few days have passed since the second stage of the Internazionali d’Italia at the Montagnetta di San Siro, in Milan, leaving a bittersweet taste in the mouth of CM Outdoor Events’ circuit organizers. On Sunday March 12th, thousands of people have enjoyed a top-class MTB show, and the successes of international stars like Florian Vogel and Maja Wloszczowska, but also some other less-than-pleasant things happened in Milan, and those can’t be ignored.
Indeed, a sabotage attempt was put on by unknown persons who shed nails and pins on different parts o the routes, threatening the riders’ safety and the races’ regularity. In addition to that, a number of thefts and break-ins in the Montagnetta weekend have caused significant losses to teams, riders, spectators and organizing personnel.
“It was really harsh to see the great effort for this stage spoiled by criminals – explained Michele Mondini of CM Outdoor Events, – even more when we consider how satisfied the riders, the teams, the sponsors and the fans were on the technical outcome of the race, and its participation. In only two years, also thanks to Novagli Bike’s efforts, I think La Montagnetta MTB has earned a spot among the most expected events of the year, made unique by the city environment.“
“But – continued Mondini – great events work as far as everybody – organizers and institution – make system and join forces to guarantee the best outcome as well as the satisfaction and safeguard of all the parties involved. Unfortunately, we could observe that – in spite of the full awareness of the risks involved – the public force has not put in the effort needed to guarantee the safeguard of athletes, teams and spectators.”
In such a scenario, making serious evaluations on the foreseeable future is due diligence for the main Italian MTB circuit. “Internazionali d’Italia Series cannot tolerate all that happened in Milan” – said Luca Carton of CM Outdoor Events. “Leaving Milan would be painful, but – as of today – the conditions are not in place for another Internazionali d’Italia Series event to take place at La Montagnetta. Unless such conditions are properly and timely guaranteed, the circuit won’t be back at the Monte Stella Park in 2018.”
Meantime, the circuiti s getting ready for the third stage of this year’s edition, the Trofeo Delcar of Sunday April 2nd in Montichiari. Marco Aurelio Fontana and Serena Calvetti will try to defend their leader’s jerseys in the sole HC event of the Italian calendar, whose startlist will once again feature some of the top names in mountain bike, including two-time Olympic Champion Julien Absalon.
Credo che Milano non voglia la mtb alla Montagnetta troppi sono stati gli episodi che lo hanno fatto percepire a tutti i team presenti. Un Comune che prima appoggia la manifestazione poi permette che la via di accesso sia tappezzata di manifesti di pseudo ambientalisti contro la manifestazione, che ci siano furti a non finire, che il tracciato venga cosparso di puntine, che però è stato capace di inviare della guardie ambientali per multare chi apriva il gazebo sull’erba . con un tale biglietto da visita questa città si può solo vergognare. Un grazie a Mondini ed a tutto lo staff per essere riusciti a portare a termine in queste condizioni, una competizione di così alto livello.