Val di Fassa kicks off the WHOOP UCI Enduro World Cup in style: over 500 riders on track between Open and Pro races
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A spectacular 10th anniversary edition in the heart of the Dolomites — and a proud podium finish for Italy in the Elite Women’s race.
The fifth round of the 2025 UCI Enduro World Cup wrapped up today in Canazei, set among epic trails nestled in the Dolomites – UNESCO World Heritage, and backed by flawless organization that reaffirmed Val di Fassa – Trentino as a global benchmark for enduro.
This was a special edition, celebrating ten years of top-level enduro events in the valley — from the first Italian Championship in 2015 to the UCI World Championships in 2024.
The 2025 round once again confirmed the excellence of the Local Organizing Committee, which welcomed over 500 riders across the World Cup and Open Race, representing 33 nations. On the technical side, the event fully embraced and elevated the two-day race format — a return to the roots of authentic enduro, demanding preparation, race vision, and smart energy management.
The race course featured 7 special stages, covering a total of 61 km and 3,057 m of vertical drop. Day 1, entirely pedal-powered (1,100 m of climbing), included 6.9 km of timed stages, while Day 2, supported by lift access, offered 9.3 km of racing and nearly 2,000 m of descending — for a total of 16.2 km against the clock and about 35 minutes of race time for the fastest men.
The course showcased the diverse terrain of the Fassa Bike District, highlighting the variety and quality of local trails, with new technical sections and never-before-used segments. Sun, high temperatures, and altitude pushed the challenge even further, becoming key factors in energy management.
“Enduro here means real mountains — long transfers, alpine descents, a landscape to experience and to take on,” said Race Director William Basilico. “Every trail is a piece of this territory.”
A historic result for Italy in the World Cup
Alongside the unanimous positive feedback from riders on the trail quality and overall race design, the day delivered a historic moment for Italy: Nadine Ellecosta (Abetone Ancillotti Vittoria Factory Team), steadily improving in the series, built her result stage by stage, riding consistently across all seven specials and earning second place on the Elite Women’s podium. This performance now places her second overall in the standings, tied in points with Slovenia’s Simona Kuchynková, who finished third today.
“I’m beyond happy with this result — even more special because I achieved it in front of the home crowd and my family,” said Nadine at the finish. “After making two mistakes in today’s opening stage on Titans, it wasn’t easy, but I stayed focused and brought home a podium that means the world to me.”
The top step of the Elite Women’s podium went to Britain’s Ella Conolly.
In the Elite Men, Slawomir Lukasik (Yeti / Fox Factory Race Team) took the win, ahead of teammate Richie Rude Jr., 14 seconds behind. Rounding out the podium was Jesse Melamed (Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team). Top Italian finisher was Tommaso Calonaci, 22nd overall.
“It’s such a stunning venue — that’s why we love coming back here every year. This year didn’t disappoint: two-day race, all the classic stages with a bit of rework to keep it fresh. Tuttifrutti was one of the best stages we’ve had in a long time — so physical, but lots of good riding. I just had a lot of fun on that one.” said Canadian Jesse Melamed after the race.
In the Junior Men’s race, French rider Melvin Almueis claimed victory, with strong Italian performances placing four riders in the top ten: Matteo Falcini (5th), Lorenzo Noferini (6th), Simone Leo (8th), and Lorenzo Cesari (10th).
In the Junior Women’s race, the win went to Australia’s Lacey Adams (Yeti / Fox Factory Race Team).
Enduro Open: the accessible face of enduro
Saturday’s Enduro Open amateur race saw great participation, with 289 starters across various categories, including Mountain Bike and E-bike.
On a course featuring four special stages, Germany’s Maximilian Rieker took the overall win ahead of Jacopo Del Principe and Daniel Cavosi. In the over-35 category, Alex Lupato repeated the victory he claimed in Canazei ten years ago, ahead of Martino Fruet. Among the juniors, Daniele Aurame claimed the top spot.
In the women’s field, Austria’s Hanna Huettenmeyer took the win, while Denmark’s Sandra Bohn Thomsen topped the over-35 category.
In E-Enduro, it was an all-Italian podium with Bruno Zanchi, Daryl Santi, and Fabio Corradini of the Fassa Bike Racing Team — a proud third place for the home squad.
A world-class bike destination
An event of this scale also requires exceptional work behind the scenes.
“Everything ran smoothly thanks to an experienced team and the energy of 160 volunteers — the real stars behind the event. Beautiful mountains alone aren’t enough: managing a complex race and delivering a safe, engaging experience requires the highest standards and strong motivation. Our committee is a tight-knit team, and I especially want to thank the trailbuilders — active year-round in the Fassa Bike District — and all the volunteers, from the regulars to those who help during race days. Their contribution is essential,” said Race Director William Basilico.
Val di Fassa confirms its status as a modern and well-structured bike destination, with reliable lifts, well-maintained trails, a scenic valley cycle path, and services for all types of riders and families.
“Events like this are not just a showcase — they’re also an investment in visibility and quality,” said Nicolò Weiss, Director of APT Val di Fassa. “Our bike product is solid and constantly growing. We aim to keep it aligned with the Val di Fassa brand and Trentino’s international image.”
The Fassa Bike Local Organizing Committee thanks Trentino Marketing, APT Val di Fassa, Val di Fassa Grandi Eventi, all volunteers, trailbuilders, athletes, teams, and partners who made this 10th anniversary edition possible.
In Val di Fassa, enduro is more than a sport — it’s about community, growth, and territory.
Foto di Nicola Damonte
