L'Aquila/Berlin, 23 June 2023. The clock is ticking and the city of L'Aquila, the capital of Abruzzo, is full of anticipation. In 48 hours, the competition will begin, marking the third stage of the World Inline Cup 2023 after the races in Rennes, France and Funchal, Madeira. The 42-kilometer track, spanning 19 laps, is set to be the venue for a day of competitive racing.
The World Inline Cup 2023 has already seen some highly challenging conditions and exceptional performances. The recent second stage held in Funchal, Madeira on June 11th was a testament to the resilience of both the organizers and the athletes. A morning rain set the tone for the day, pushing the athletes to adapt by switching to rain rollers and adjusting their strategies. The pace of the race may have started cautiously, but it certainly didn't stay that way.
This year's edition in L'Aquila holds the promise of featuring a lineup with international athletes eager to compete in front of an enthusiastic Italian crowd. The stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the athletes prepare to stake their claim on the WIC rankings. The high-level competition this year is set to make the race a Class 1 event, featuring teams including the Rollerblade World Team, SAM Roller Team, EOSkates World Team, and Powerslide Racing Team.
Among the international starting field, Bart Swings (BEL), the current leader in the men's WIC rankings, and Jason Suttels (BEL), both members of the Powerslide Racing Team, are expected to display their formidable skills. The French athletes, Martin Ferrie of EOSkates and Hugo Gerard, a single athlete in the WIC, are also expected to participate. From Spain, Carlos Tarazona and Patxi Peula will be representing the Rollerblade World Team.
On the women's front, Aura Quintana, a single athlete from Colombia and current second in the WIC rankings, is anticipated to deliver another powerful performance. Quintana clinched a dramatic victory in Funchal, triumphing over Gabriela Vargas and Marine Balanant, FRA (BONT Europe Team) in a heart-stopping finale. Yet, with the likes of Marine Lefeuvre from the EOSkates World Team, Alicia Delhommais and Veronica Luciani from the Rollerblade World Team, and Anna Muzyka from the SAM Roller Team all competing for the top spot.
Regrettably, the current leader in the women's WIC rankings, Marine Balanant, who participated in both the Rennes and Funchal races, is not expected to compete this time. Likewise, the reigning L’Aquila champion, Nolan Beddiaf, will be absent due to an injury sustained in Rennes. The racing community extends their wishes for a swift recovery.
Scheduled for Sunday, June 25th, 2023, the race promises a thrill for the athletes and spectators alike, boasting a prize money of 5,000 EUR. The celebration of these international athletes' achievements will continue post-race with an award ceremony and prize distribution.
These athletes, having recently tested their skills in Funchal, are ready to demonstrate their remarkable endurance and competitive spirit once more in L'Aquila.
Volker Schlichting, the Executive Director of the World Inline Cup, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming event, " Looking ahead to the 2023 edition in L'Aquila, we anticipate an engaging competition. The lineup of participants and well-designed course will provide a steady race. L'Aquila has been a reliable and hospitable host, and we look forward on the upcoming event next Sunday."
WIC Calendar 2023
The next stops of the WORLD INLINE CUP 2023 are: Harbin / CHN on 29 July (TopClass) and Berlin / GER on 23 September (TopClass). On 29 October, an Associated Race will take place in Sarasota / USA outside the overall ranking.
For further information, please see www.world-inline-cup.com and/or contact:
Volker Schlichting
IGUANA Deutschland GmbH
Tel. +49 30 83 21 794 55
schlichting@iguana-deutschland.com
