The actual show of this last stage of the MTB Trials World Cup took place the day before. But the fireworks, the real one, the sporting one, went well on Sunday, November 24 at Vendéspace. With two tricolors in the role of arsonists on duty, quick to ignite their finale.
In the Vendée enclosure, Nina Vabre, at the age of 18, won a magnificent third place in the women’s elite, while Robin Berchiatti, 19, finished second. for the men, on 20-inch wheels, after a final theatrical passage.
“It’s so good, just incredible. I’m super happyNina Vabre bounced back, for her first podium in the World Cup. There was something to play for today, I felt good from the start, I had a lot of fun riding. There was an audience, nothing to lose. Getting on the podium once was my goal for the season… It’s done, it’s great, the Vendée brought me luck! »
Tension finale
Author of her first podium in the Coupe de France in the region in 2021, the Albigensian won her bet, while the Vendée Emma Louineau, in front of her supporters, finished 6e of the final. The demonstration of the difficulty of the format of these final meetings, a single passage of five zones each in turn. With all the inherent pressure.
A charge perfectly managed by Charlie Rolls in the men’s category (26-inch category), dominating head and shoulders in a final in which veteran Vincent Hermance (40 years old) finished 5e. The penultimate act of the day, the perfect start to the final bouquet.
Robin Berchiatti started this last tango in 20 inches, with two zones at 60 points, the maximum. Aerial, the French champion electrified the room and took the lead ahead of Borja Conejos and Alejandro Montalvo. Enough to start the last zone with ten points ahead of the first named.
Also read. “Create a show”: in Vendée, they are preparing the final of the MTB trials world cup
The moment of truth, which led to a double drama. At the first gate, the Haut-Savoyard touched the ribbon demarcating the wheel path. An elimination error for the victory. But not for the podium, Montalvo falling a few moments later in the same place!
Even though inevitably disappointed, Robin Berchiatti signed his first world podium there with a second place that was as crazy as it was deserved. At 19 years old and like Nina Vabre, the Frenchman has the whole future ahead of him to continue growing. And to offer even more dazzling fireworks to a public who just asked for it, in Vendée. The land that brings luck to MTB trial champions.
