Spielmann starts with a victory; Tabacchi claims his maiden WES win

The season began at one of the most challenging tracks ever

Fundata, Romania, Saturday 14 June – With great expectation, the 2025 WES UCI E-MTB XC World Cup season is finally underway. Cheile Grădiștei Round was set against the backdrop of the natural and sporting complex, in perfect weather conditions.

With 33 riders from over 10 different countries, the morning kicked off with the Qualirace. On the Women’s side, Anna Spielmann (Haibike) claimed the top spot. In the Men’s, Théo Charmes (Teewing Factory Team) set the fastest time, narrowly beating Andrea Garibbo (Haibike) and Mirko Tabacchi (Thok Askoll), the three finishing so close, anticipating a great battle in the following official race.

2025 Cheile Grădiștei Round Race 1 Start (Credits: WES / Tibi Hila)

As soon as the race burst into action, the fight for the Santero Holeshot unfolded, with Lukas Dennda (Bergstrom Factory Racing) and Spielmann charging ahead to take the fastest entry through the first turn.

First time ever in Eastern Europe 

The competition was already tight from the Qualirace, and the main event promised to be anything but easy. The consistent Austrian rider and 2024 World Cup Winner found her groove over the eight demanding laps and held off the Reigning World Champion, Sofia Wiedenroth (Specialized) from Germany, to take the win.

Anna Spielmann (Credits: WES / Tibi Hila)

Giulia Bertoni (Teewing Factory Team) made an impressive debut, claiming third place and securing a well-earned podium finish for her Italian team.

Newcomer Santina Malacarne (Bergstrom Factory Racing) from Switzerland finished in fourth, while Romania’s Karina Kubat (CS JOYBIKE) completed the top five.

2025 Cheile Grădiștei Round Race 1 Women’s Podium (Credits: WES / Tibi Hila)

A full of twists battle 

During the opening lap, Swiss Champ Joris Ryf (Specialized) made an early move to overtake Frenchman Charmes and take the lead, with Tabacchi and the Pole Position Winner close behind. By the third lap, however, the Italian took control of the race and never dropped it, conquering his first-ever win in the series. 

Mirko Tabacchi and Théo Charmes (Credits: WES / Tibi Hila)

Italian Andrea Garibbo mounted a comeback, climbing from fourth to finish second in just two laps time. 

Théo Charmes completed the podium, delivering a strong result, marking an unforgettable debut for the Teewing Factory Team with a podium finish in both categories. 

2025 Cheile Grădiștei Round Race 1 Men’s Podium (Credits: WES / Tibi Hila)

After an early lead, Ryf had to settle for fourth following technical issues, while Dutchman Jeroen van Eck (GHOST Bikes Racing Team) claimed fifth place.

What’s next? 

The Cheile Grădiștei mountain sports complex will serve as the stage for top-tier racing again on Sunday, as the world’s best riders will line up for Race 2. 

Entry Lists, Race Live Timing and Results HERE
WES Cheile Grădiștei Round 2 (Sunday) Event Schedule and Race Maps HERE
Download the photo gallery HERE (Credits: WES / Tibi Hila)
Download this Press Release in PDF HERE