Giulia Portaluri is the first woman to complete the 200km; Matteo Fontanelli won the 130km men's race, while the women's "medium" race went to Chiara Ciuffini, who wore the #NoveColli4children jersey
The weather ultimately favored the Nove Colli, allowing for great battles on the Granfondo climbs. A battle that once again enlivened the morning in Cesenatico and beyond. The Nove Colli is about coming together, a celebration of sport, and not just that, but also a lot of competition. Manuel Senni from Sala di Cesenatico was the one to ignite it more than anyone else, winning and dominating the 200km race practically from the dawn of the event with decisive determination. The former professional managed to repeat last year’s success and took home his second Nove Colli in just eight months, spurred on by countless fans along the entire route. The women's long course went to Giulia Portaluri, who won in a sprint after an exciting and hard-fought duel.
The 130km men's race was won by Matteo Fontanelli from ASD Imola Bike, who secured victory in a sprint against his breakaway companions Rossano Mauti and Pietro Sarti. As tradition has it, they were the first to cross the finish line at Colonia Agip before ten o'clock. One of the day's best stories, however, added a touch of solidarity and magic to the women's "medium" race, with Chiara Ciuffini's solo victory, wearing the NoveColli4children jersey. The Abruzzese cyclist’s record is vast – from winning the UCI Amateur World Championships to the 2019 Strade Bianche – but this triumph is certainly one of the most thrilling of her career.
The words of the winners:
“Today was tough, I pushed as hard as I could because I didn’t know how much of an advantage I had and I wanted to keep it at all costs. I managed to maintain a great pace and I want to dedicate this victory to all the fans I met along the route who cheered me on. There were so many, I didn’t even expect that many. It’s even more beautiful to win in Cesenatico,” commented Manuel Senni, winner of the 170km.
“I am happy and excited about this great victory that came in the final sprint. Winning the Nove Colli is a great satisfaction because it’s a highly prestigious Granfondo,” said Giulia Portaluri, winner of the 200km.
“I am very happy about this victory; I wanted to do well but didn’t expect to win. The three of us found ourselves at the junction and decided to help each other get to the end and compete in a sprint. Luckily, it went well at the finish. I thank my parents, my girlfriend, and all my friends who are here to support me,” commented Matteo Fontanelli, winner of the 130km.
“I started wearing the NoveColli4children jersey with the goal of solidarity in mind and in the end, I won. I believe it’s a great message and a significant signal; feeling the responsibility and racing with such an important jersey morally gave me the extra push I needed. I am very happy,” said Chiara Ciuffini, winner of the 130km.
Results
130 km
Matteo Fontanelli (03:42:45); Rossano Mauti (03:42:45); Pietro Sarti (03:42:48).
Chiara Ciuffini (04:10:52); Michela Santini (04:11:44); Alessia Bortoli (04:15:56).
200 km
Manuel Senni (05:16:00); Paolo Castelnovo (05:17:59); Vince Mattens (05:18:26).
Giulia Portaluri (06:13:14); Vanessa Santeliz Bautista (06:13:15); Monika Dietl (06:20:11).