PROTECTIVE Factory Team @THE TRAKA

After five neutralized kilometers, it really got down to business with three long climbs and technical descents. The PROTECTIVE guys were well in the race. Luca was strong at first, but could not keep up with the leading group. Tim, not quite in his best form, stayed in a chasing group and was even among the top ten at times. From kilometer 112, however, he had to accept another setback. But he kept fighting and ended up in 11th place – a solid finish after an eventful race.

Luca, who fell back in the meantime, found his rhythm again on the flat and fought his way back to 37th place – a good result, especially after his injury break.

Schrotti opted for wider tires with 45 mm, which turned out to be a smart choice in the end. Although he had heavy legs at the beginning, he was able to catch up on the downhills. Some breakdowns, including a broken tire after crossing a stream, cost additional time. Nevertheless, he made it to 51st place. Not a top position, but strong under the circumstances.

About an hour after the men’s start, Theresa also took to the track. The initial pace was decently high, and the leading group quickly drove away. After a break due to illness, she lacked some explosiveness, but she remained focused. From kilometer 120 she started her catch-up race and fought her way forward constantly. In the end, she finished 18th – Top 20 , and she can be proud of that.

While the gravel team was on the road in Girona, Lea competed in the UCI C1 MTB marathon of the Bike Festival Garda. The 83 kilometers with 3,500 meters of altitude were challenging. After a solid start and a good position in the chasing group, she showed her skills on the technical passages. However, a crash in the final downhill cost her time and a place. Nevertheless, she bravely crossed the finish line with bruises and finished in 8th place.