World Champ Spielmann and Swiss Ryf dominated in Sardinia Race 1

As the season winds down, the fight for the World Cup title intensifies

Versione italiana scaricabile QUI

Olbia (Italy), Saturday 4 October 2025 – Under bright skies, the WES UCI E-MTB XC World Cup headed to the island of Sardinia, Italy, for the Olbia Round Race 1, presented by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and the City of Olbia.

2025 Olbia Round Race 1 Start (Credits: WES / Guido Baroncelli)

The Qualirace in Monte Pino determined the starting order for the following showdown, with Kathrin Stirnemann (Thömus) and Mirko Tabacchi (Thok Askoll) clocking the quickest time lap.

As the race got underway, the first turn awarded the afternoon’s opening prize, with Sofia Wiedenroth (Specialized) and the Italian Reigning Champ jumping off the line with the sharpest reflexes to capture his first Santero Holeshot.

2025 Olbia Round Race 1 Santero Holeshot Point (Credits: WES / Guido Baroncelli)

World Cup leaders hold their ground

Specialized German rider managed to stay at the front by the slimmest margin, but on lap two, Reigning World Champion Anna Spielmann (Haibike) surged past her rival, took control, and never looked back, crossing the line first after 12 demanding laps.

Anna Spielmann at 2025 Olbia Round Race 1 (Credits: WES / Guido Baroncelli)

While Spielmann extended her lead, Wiedenroth found herself locked in a duel with Stirnemann, the two swapping places twice before the German Champion secured the second place, leaving  Swiss Stirnemann to finish third.

2025 Olbia Round Race 1 Women’s Podium (Credits: WES / Guido Baroncelli)

Giulia Bertoni (Teewing Factory Team) claimed fourth, followed by Sonia Rodríguez Morente (Bafang Factory Artesana) in fifth.

In the men’s race, Tabacchi spent seven laps holding off Ryf, who stayed glued to his wheel. However, the Swiss champion made his move, taking over the lead and sealing the victory on his birthday.

Joris Ryf at 2025 Olbia Round Race 1 (Credits: WES / Guido Baroncelli)

Tabacchi settled for second, while Lukas Dennda (Bergstrom Factory Racing) put in a resilient performance, shifting positions throughout before clinching third.

2025 Olbia Round Race 1 Men’s Podium (Credits: WES / Guido Baroncelli)

Théo Charmes (Teewing Factory Team) crossed the line in fourth despite suffering some technical problems, and Andrea Garibbo (Haibike) rounded out the top five.

What’s next?

Tomorrow, Olbia’s Monte Pino area will host Race 2, again on a 2.2 km racecourse, opposite direction, ready to challenge riders’ skills.

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