Wiedenroth and Ryf win on Day 2 at Spa-Francorchamps

Tonso widens the gap as the Standings Leader, while Ryf trails closely behind Gilloux

Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Wednesday 30 August 2023 – Same scenario, different conditions. The weather conditions changed completely during the WES UCI E-MTB XC World Cup weekend in Belgium.

WES Spa-Francorchamps Round Race 2 start

The heavy rain over the circuit showed no mercy and challenged the riders in Race 2. As ever, the morning’s Qualirace began to determine the Raspini Pole Position winners: Jérôme Gilloux (Lapierre Overvolt) and Sofia Wiedenroth (Specialized).

Sofia Wiedenroth (Specialized) and Jérôme Gilloux (Lapierre Overvolt)

Challenging terrain and eyes set on the first turn, awaiting the whistle’s signal. Pedalling at full throttle to clinch the Fassi Holeshot, a feat reserved for just two. In this instance. On this occasion, it was German Wiedenroth and Frenchman Théo Charmes (Team AOTL) who successfully got it, the latter by just a hundredth of a second over fellow French rider Gilloux.

Sofia Wiedenroth (Specialized) and Théo Charmes (Team AOTL)

After the first turn, Wiedenroth became an unstoppable force, increasing her lead over Justine Tonso (Lapierre Overvolt) as the laps went by, while Reigning French Women Champion grappled with the challenging track, keeping her own pace, as she watched the Specialized rider pulling further ahead.

“Despite the mud, I was happy to ride this race because this is a very rideable track, even in this dramatic conditions. I’m glad to be winning here at this iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit”, said the German.

Sofia Wiedenroth (Specialized)

Antonia Daubermann (Advanced E-Racing) clinched the third spot, earning herself a double podium, followed by Solène Bouissou (Team Oise Organisation) in fourth, and Celia Audoli (Monaco), likewise yesterday.

Race 2 Women’s Podium

Rainbow Jersey on top of the podium

Joris Ryf (Specialized) is inspired and appears unstoppable. Once again, the Rainbow Jersey asserted its dominance on the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the second day in a row, ahead of Jérôme Gilloux.

Joris Ryf (Specialized)

Even though the Swiss and recently crowned World Champ didn’t start as race leader, he managed his way to gain the front, crossing the finish line as the undisputed winner in Belgium.

“It was so cool. Finally, I really got a rideable track in wet conditions, for sure I prefer dry conditions but this time it was so good, with short climbs, everything was rideable. At the end, a really good and smooth race right from my side”, said Ryf.

Race 2 Men’s Podium

The final spot on the podium was taken by Italian Mirko Tabacchi (RDR Italia Factory), continuing his trend of being among the top three at Spa. The fourth place went to Spain’s Ismael Esteban Aguero (Logos Energia-BH), while Théo Charmes secured the fifth.

The fourth Magneti Marelli Checkstar Power Lap Award of the season went to Specialized teammates, Wiedenroth and Ryf, in their respective categories.

Last but not least, WES’s action doesn’t come to a halt so soon, as the riders must get ready for the challenging back-to-back racing in Germany on September 2-3.

Entry Lists, Race and Results HERE
Download the photogallery HERE
Download this Press Release in PDF HERE