Joey Mantia celebrates his victory
Together with his team-mate Massimiliano Presti, Joey Mantia could celebrate the double victory of the fastest marathon of the WORLD INLINE CUP, whereas Cecilia Baena (COL/Powerslide) carried on her incredible string of victories. About 1650 inline skaters winded their way through beautiful Engadin letting the world’s best athletes preheat the road for the amateurs and juniors first. But the winners of last year, Nicolas Iten (Rollerblade World) and his team did not get distracted from the picturesque landscape and went on fighting for every point in the WORLD INLINE CUP und SWISS INLINE CUP ranking.
The whole world elite was on the starting list for the 8th stage of the WORLD INLINE CUP and the tension was high, who of the men would bear the palm in the end. Shortly after the start Joey Mantia(USA/Luigino Atom World) made a first attack and challenged the others a first time. He did not get too far and thus set the course of the race.
A highlight of the Engadin Inline Marathon certainly is the descent from St. Moritz to Celerina, where the athletes reached top speeds of up to 85 km/h this time. Nicolas Iten (Rollerblade World) tried an attack when going uphill to Pontresina, but he was not successful. Thus, by increasing speed, the wheat was separated from the chuff. Some breakaways only a few kilometres before the finish were not crowned with success. So the best sprinter would be the winner and Joey Mantia, the manifold world champion, turned out to be the one. Massimiliano Presti (ITA/Luigino Atom World) became second before Juan NayibTobon (COL/Zepto Skate Team).
As to the ladies, the top favourite Cecilia Baena COL/Powerslide Matter World) was standing in the centre of attention. It was nearly impossible to beat her in a sprint. Thus the other teams tried to avoid this situation. But Baena could rely on her extraordinarily good team. They did not allow anyone to break away. However, the two Swiss Nadine Gloor (World Inlinecenter Matter) and Karin Widmer (Luigino Swiss Team) tried a last breakaway shortly before the finish, but Baena and her team-mates did not let them go. Again a final sprint had to bring the result. The power of Baena was incredible and so she outdistanced her competitors clearly. The Italians Giovanna Turciarelli und Martina Taruscia became second and third.
The following Saturday, 4th July, the Swiss Inline Cup goes on nearby the venerable monastery of Einsiedeln. The Swiss Marathon and Half-Marathon Championships will take place on the circuit around the Sihl Lake.
Speed Men:
1. Mantia Joey, USA 57.21,76
2. Presti Massimiliano, ITA 57.21,84
3. Tobon Juan Nayib, COL 57.21,88
4. Rosero Diego, COL 57.21,89
5. Zangarini Francesco, ITA 57.21,99
6. Guyader Yann, FRA 57.22,04
7. Galliazo Stefano, ITA 57.22,06
8. Francolini Fabio, ITA 57.22,22
9. Saggiorato Luca, ITA 57.22,23
10.Amabili Matteo, ITA 57.22,28
Swiss:
28. Iten Nicolas, Oberarth 57.25,18
29. Spörri Timon, Busswil b Büren 57.25,19
31. Achermann Michael, Stans 57.25,32
Speed Women:
1. Baena Cecilia, COL 1:08.31,29
2.Turchiarelli Giovanna, ITA 1:08.31,96
3. Taruscia Martina, ITA 1:08.32,17
4. PonzettiCinzia, ITA 1:08.32,29
5. Cantu Valentina, ITA 1:08.32,55
6. Hartichellar Andrea, ARG 1:08.33,03
7. Ghezzi Laura, ITA 1:08.33,41
8. Petitprez Anne-Sophie, FRA 1:08.34,21
9. Gloor Nadine, Basel 1:08.36,35
10.Barbotin Nathalie, FRA 1:08.36,89
Swiss:
13. Widmer Karin, Stans 1:08.38,59
15. Heim Flurina, Samedan 1:10.10,67