17 May Strong Performance by Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team at the Costa degli Etruschi Epic
Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team Returns to the Podium
Nicola Taffarel takes silver in one of the most demanding marathons on the Italian calendar, securing the 12th podium of the season for the Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team. The squad regains momentum and proves it’s still in the fight among the elite.
May 18, 2025 – Marina di Bibbona (LI), Italy – Just a month after his podium finish at the 4Islands Epic, Nicola Taffarel made his mark once again—this time at the prestigious UCI Costa degli Etruschi Epic.
On a challenging and technical 73-kilometer course with 1,900 meters of elevation gain, featuring iconic sections such as Terminino, Poggio al Pruno, and Poggio al Fango, the rider from Vittorio Veneto delivered a performance full of grit and determination. His second-place finish not only marks his best-ever result in this race but also reignites the team’s competitive drive at a key point in the season.
A race of strategy, courage, and a final comeback
Coming in as one of the pre-race favorites after his 4th place in the 2024 edition and a strong showing in the recent World Cup, Taffarel approached the race with sharp tactical awareness. He had to respond firmly to the pressure exerted by Team Scott, who placed three riders in the lead group.
At kilometer 60, a rival attack forced his hand. Racing solo, Taffarel closed a 20-second gap, maintained focus, and clawed his way back into contention for the win. However, a crash just a few kilometers from the finish line dashed his hopes of taking the top spot. Showing remarkable resilience, he recovered quickly, held off the chasing group, and launched a powerful sprint to edge out Andrin Beeli, Andrea Siffredi, and Vincenzo Saitta—securing second place, just 1’33” behind the winner.
Taffarel’s words
Nicola Taffarel expressed great satisfaction with his performance at the Costa degli Etruschi Epic, praising the race’s high level of competition and the strength of top teams like Scott and Olympia. Despite the challenges, he emphasized that neither he nor the team ever lost faith in their chances.
He explained that when the lead group opened a 20-second gap mid-climb, he chose to take a risk and go all-in. His gamble paid off, allowing him to close the gap and stay in the hunt for the podium.
Although he regretted the late-race crash that cost him a shot at victory, Taffarel was proud of his second-place finish in a final sprint against three strong rivals. He noted that this podium finish carries special meaning as it marks his first top-3 at this event, and he dedicated the result to the team, whose tireless efforts were key in overcoming recent setbacks. According to Taffarel, the result proves that when everything clicks, the team is always ready to compete at the highest level.
Comments from Team Manager Martino Tronconi
Team Manager Martino Tronconi described the day as a strong positive for the team, praising Taffarel’s poise and fighting spirit. From the first feed zone, it was clear to him that Nicola was in a good position and reading the race exceptionally well.
Tronconi particularly highlighted Taffarel’s ability to respond solo to the numerical advantage of Team Scott and his decisive move at kilometer 60. While the late crash complicated the final stretch, he commended the rider’s determination to bounce back and execute a flawless sprint finish.
For Tronconi, this second-place finish is a testament to Taffarel’s growing maturity and competitive mindset—traits that reinforce the Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team’s ambitions for the season.