PROTECTIVE Factory Team @THE TRAKA

After five neutralised kilometres the race got going properly, with three long climbs and technical descents. The PROTECTIVE guys were well in the race. Luca was strong at first but could not stay with the lead group. Tim, not quite in top form, stayed in a chasing group and was at times even in the top ten. From kilometre 112, however, he had to take another setback. But he kept fighting and finished in 11th place, a solid result after a changeable race.

Luca, who dropped back for a while, found his rhythm again on the flat and fought his way back to 37th place, a good result, especially after his break through injury.

Schrotti chose wider 45 mm tyres, which turned out to be a smart choice in the end. He had heavy legs at the start, but he was able to make up ground on the descents. Several mishaps, including a damaged tyre after a stream crossing, cost additional time. Even so, he finished in 51st place. Not a top placing, but strong under the circumstances.

About an hour after the men’s start, Theresa also set off. The opening pace was quite high, and the lead group quickly rode away. After a break due to illness she lacked some explosiveness, but she stayed focused. From kilometre 120 she started her chase and fought her way steadily forward. In the end she finished 18th and so came in the top 20, something she can be proud of.

While the gravel team was out in Girona, Lea competed in the UCI C1 MTB marathon at the Bike Festival Garda. The 83 kilometres with 3,500 metres of climbing were challenging. After a solid start and a good position in the chasing group, she showed her skills on the technical sections. A crash on the final downhill cost her time and a place, however. Even so, she bravely reached the finish with bruises and took 8th place.