KTM – SPADA BIKE shines in the 2026 XCM World Cup with Anna Wienbeer and Michele Falciani
The KTM – SPADA BIKE – Powered by Brenta Brakes team once again made its mark on the 2026 XCM Marathon World Cup thanks to the spectacular victories of Anna Wienbeer and Michele “Miky” Falciani at the prestigious Capoliveri Legend Cup, held on Elba Island, Italy.
Capoliveri Legend Cup: a key event in the XCM World Cup
For XCM (Cross Country Marathon) enthusiasts, the beginning of May means one thing: the legendary Capoliveri Legend Cup. Since 2024, the Italian race has officially been part of the UCI Marathon World Cup calendar, becoming one of the most important events of the season.
KTM – SPADA BIKE arrived in Capoliveri with a nearly full squad, featuring riders such as:
- Anna Wienbeer
- Lorenzo “Lollo” Samparisi
- Nicolas “Niko” Samparisi
- Ramon Vantaggiato
- Anton Sintsov
- Michele Falciani
While Falciani competed in the Classic / Gran Fondo course, the rest of the team faced the demanding Marathon route: 76 kilometers with 2,400 meters of elevation gain.
Anna Wienbeer dominates the women’s Marathon race
Swiss rider Anna Wienbeer delivered a true masterclass from the very first kilometers. Setting an incredibly strong pace from the start, the Basel-born athlete quickly took control of the race and reached the Innamorata checkpoint already riding solo with more than a one-minute advantage.
As the race progressed, her lead kept growing until it reached nearly five minutes. Wienbeer crossed the finish line in Capoliveri in 3h 46’ 36’’, celebrating another outstanding victory after her triumph earlier this season at the Hero Costa Blanca in Calpe.
A flawless performance that confirms her excellent form and strengthens her status among the top riders in international women’s XCM racing.
Tough and intense race for the men’s team
The men’s race exploded from the very first climb, with a leading group of seven riders quickly breaking away and Lorenzo Samparisi actively pushing the pace at the front.
“Lollo” delivered a remarkable performance on a course not particularly suited to his characteristics, proving he is currently in excellent condition. Behind him, Nicolas Samparisi and Ramon Vantaggiato remained in the chasing group alongside the other overall contenders.
Unfortunately, Anton Sintsov experienced a very difficult day, suffering two chain failures that completely compromised his race.
Soon after, Nicolas Samparisi also lost valuable time following a puncture shortly after the second feed zone. Despite trying to stay in contention, the gap became too large and his chances of a strong result disappeared.
With that, all hopes rested on Lorenzo Samparisi, who fought hard for a podium position until the final section of the race. However, several chain issues in the last 20 kilometers ultimately pushed him out of contention. He finished in 17th place (3h 18’ 51’’), while Ramon Vantaggiato completed the race in 33rd position (3h 25’ 40’’).
Michele Falciani claims victory in the Classic race
The team’s second major success of the day came in the Classic race, where young talent Michele “Miky” Falciani delivered a dominant performance.
From the start, he imposed a relentless pace that none of his rivals could match. Competing in his first Capoliveri event and making his seasonal debut over this distance, Falciani immediately established himself as the rider to beat.
The young Italian crossed the finish line in first place with a time of 2h 19’ 09’’, securing a prestigious victory and confirming himself as one of the most promising talents in international XCM racing.
ISB Sport supporting top-level international MTB racing
The results achieved at the Capoliveri Legend Cup highlight the competitive strength of KTM – SPADA BIKE and the commitment of all its technical partners and sponsors to high-performance cycling.
At ISB Sport, we are proud to support elite mountain biking and celebrate outstanding performances in one of the most iconic MTB Marathon events on the international calendar.
