Debertolis and Lucchetta crowned Italian Middle champions
A new milestone was achieved by the Vicenza-based club, which is now aiming for the Sprint World Cup stages as well as for July’s World Championships in Scotland.
The third star is approaching for PWT Italy: after the successes in the Veneto Sprint Individual and Relay Championships, the 29th Middle distance title arrives for the Vicenza-based club in Valeriano, in the province of Pordenone, thanks to the two news entries Mattia Debertolis and Jessica Lucchetta.
Debertolis from Trentino won in 34:46 over Francesco Mariani (POL. G. MASI – 36:38), followed by Giacomo Zagonel (POL. G. MASI – 37:06). Among the women, Lucchetta from Veneto preceded on the Italian podium, with a time of 37:49, Christine Kirchlechner (SPORTCLUB MERAN – 39:47) and Francesca Taufer (U.S. PRIMIERO – 39:55) on the Italian podium.
“I had not prepared much for this race – says Mattia Debertolis – because in this first part of the season, I am focusing on Sprint distances in view of the first international competitions. I was also coming from intense days with the selection challenges of the Italian National Team. I knew I could play my cards in the woods as well, and I tried to take my time without making mistakes in the most difficult areas. I am satisfied with my strategy, even if I made some small mistakes. The start of the season with the new PWT Italy jersey could not have started better than this: two wins in two races. Now I will focus on my next goals, which are the Sprint World Cups in Switzerland and Italy in late May and early June”.
“I got off to a strong start trying to get into the map and take the right flow, control by control – states Jessica Lucchetta – I lost a couple of minutes on control point number 10, but I kept attacking until the end. An attitude that helped to achieve the result. This is my first victory on the Middle distance, expected but not certain: at this stage, I am more focused on the Sprint but our training camps in Gargano with the Swiss National Team allowed me to prepare at my best. Now head to the Sprint World Cups, also to aim for a World Cup qualifier in Scotland in July, and then I will be back in the woods for the Italian Relay Championships”.
“A great emotion to rejoice for the victory of the tricolor, in both elite categories – says Team Manager Gabriele Viale – Even more to see your athletes improve, gain awareness, and not preclude themselves from any goal in the medium and long term. For 8 years our corporate mission has been to put athletes in the best conditions to achieve their goals. That is why since January we have implemented many quality technical trainings, many opportunities for international comparison at the highest level. Team spirit, planning, organization, dedication are our strong points”.