Two bikes held high at the finish line and two happy men. The Italians Jakob Dorigoni and Gioele de Cosmo, who broke away after just over an hour of racing, delivered a flawless performance to claim the top two spots in the Roc d’Azur CIC, the grand finale of the five-day 41st edition, ahead of Colombian Hector Lorenzo Paez Leon. History and the record books will remember that Dorigoni, 27, a regular Top-15 finisher in UCI Marathon World Cups, won in 2h22’12’’, sealing the first-ever Italian victory in the event’s history. But more than anything, the two riders from Team Torpado Kenda Factory, who crossed the line side by side, achieved a true team victory. “This victory means a lot to me,” said the winner. “We attacked on the second big climb of the course, then went full gas. I hadn’t been able to race much this season because I broke my hand at the European Championships. Gioele and I talked, and he told me that after such a tough season with my injury, I deserved the win. He let me have it. The atmosphere was incredible — at the Col du Bougnon, it felt like the Tour de France! Everyone was shouting, we had just a meter to get through in the middle of the noise. In moments like that, you don’t even feel your legs anymore.” Just off the podium (5th place), Frenchman Axel Roudil Cortinat, the reigning French Marathon Champion, had found his smile again after a disappointing 17th place on Friday. “It’s not so bad,” he said. “On Saturday I went for a ride with some friends, we had fun, but I wasn’t even sure I’d start this morning. Plus, we stayed out a bit late — short night…” Italian dominance extended to the women’s race as well, with another first-ever Italian victory. Giorgia Marchet, 27, who finished third in Friday’s Skoda Roc Marathon, took control this time, winning in 2h50’28’’. “It’s an honor to win the Roc d’Azur CIC,” said the former U23 European vice-champion (2022) and U23 World Cup winner in 2020. “It’s actually a dream I had when I was younger. I always wanted to win this race, especially with this amazing atmosphere — the Bougnon climb was insane!” Dutch rider Rosa van Doorn, leader of the UCI Marathon World Cup, once again took second place, just as she had on Friday. The podium was completed by another Italian, Chiara Gualandi, who finished 21 seconds ahead of Lauriane Duraffourg, the top French rider. “I’m happy with my first participation, even if it’s a shame to miss the podium,” said the 23-year-old Frenchwoman. “I was faster on the descents, but the climbs were harder. I gave everything I had but came up a bit short. It was my first time at the Roc, and it was super cool — I definitely want to come back!” Last year’s winner, Noémie Garnier, finished fifth. It was a short night for Clément Berthet, who raced the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday with Team Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, then lined up in Fréjus on Sunday for the Roc d’Azur CIC, finishing a solid 26th, just 11 minutes behind the winner. “Doing Lombardy and the Roc back-to-back isn’t easy — there’s a lot of logistics to manage,” explained the former mountain bike specialist (multiple U23 World Cup Top-10s). “I don’t ride MTB much anymore, I’ve lost some of the handling, so I took it easy on the descents. But I kept my rhythm, and it was really cool. I first came to the Roc as a cadet and junior, and it’s always such a great event. It was pure fun.” A Sunday at the Roc d’Azur CIC is all about top-level sport, with some of the world’s best mountain bikers lining up for the flagship race of these five days, spread across the territories of Ville de Fréjus, Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Saint-Raphaël, Estérel Côte d'Azur Agglomération, and Fréjus Côte d'Azur. But behind them, thousands more take to the start line — because the Roc is something you just can’t miss. Many come simply for the thrill of a beautiful adventure through the trails of the Massif des Maures. In recent years, a Sunday at the Roc d’Azur CIC has also offered unforgettable experiences for trail runners and hikers, exploring the stunning scenery around the Rocher de Roquebrune-sur-Argens. It’s also become a big day for road cycling enthusiasts, with the Ekoï Cyclo Roc (routes from 76 to 167 km) introduced last year, showcasing the beauty of the hinterland roads. Finally, it’s a record attendance day at the Roc Village, bustling with 300 exhibitors and countless activities. A Sunday at the Roc d’Azur CIC — it’s a day of celebration!
Giorgia Marchet: “It’s an honor to win the Roc d’Azur CIC”
Italian domination extended to the women’s race as well, with another first-ever Italian victory in the women’s Roc. Third on Friday in the Skoda Roc Marathon, Giorgia Marchet, 27, imposed her rule this time, winning in 2h50’28’’. “It’s an honor to win the Roc d’Azur CIC,” said the former U23 European vice-champion (2022) and winner of a U23 World Cup in 2020. “It’s even a dream I had when I was younger. I wanted one day to win this race with its incredible atmosphere, especially on the Bougnon climb. It was crazy.” Dutch rider Rosa van Doorn, leader of the UCI Marathon World Cup, took second place again, as she did on Friday. The podium was completed by another Italian, Chiara Gualandi, 21 seconds ahead of Lauriane Duraffourg, the first French finisher. “I’m happy for my first participation, even if it’s a pity to miss the podium,” said the 23-year-old Frenchwoman. “I was faster in the descents, but the climbs were harder. I gave everything I could, but it was just a bit short. It’s my first time at the Roc, but it was super cool — it makes you want to come back!” Last year’s winner, Noémie Garnier, finished fifth.
Clément Berthet: From the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday to the Roc d’Azur CIC on Sunday
It was a short night for Clément Berthet — racing the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday under the colors of Team Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, then this morning in Fréjus for the Roc d’Azur CIC, where he took a fine 26th place, only 11 minutes behind the winner. “Doing the Lombardy–Roc double isn’t easy, with a lot of logistics to manage,” explained the former mountain bike specialist (multiple U23 World Cup Top 10 finishes). “I don’t ride much MTB anymore, I’ve lost a bit of the handling, so I took it easy on the descents, but I kept my rhythm and it was really cool. I first came to the Roc as a cadet and junior, and it’s always such a great event. It was pure fun.”
A Sunday at the Roc d’Azur CIC means big sport
A Sunday at the Roc d’Azur CIC is all about great sport, with some of the world’s best mountain bike specialists lining up for the flagship race of these five days, held across the territories of Ville de Fréjus, Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Saint-Raphaël, Estérel Côte d'Azur Agglomération, and Fréjus Côte d'Azur. But behind them, thousands more take the start, because the Roc is not to be missed. Many dream only of a beautiful adventure along the trails of the Massif des Maures. In recent years, a Sunday at the Roc d’Azur CIC has also meant wonderful experiences for trail runners and hikers exploring the scenery around the Rocher de Roquebrune-sur-Argens. A Sunday at the Roc d’Azur CIC is also a big gathering for road cyclists, with the Ekoï Cyclo Roc (from 76 to 167 kilometers) introduced last year, taking riders through the backcountry roads. Finally, it’s a record-breaking day at the Roc Village, with 300 exhibitors and countless activities.
A Sunday at the Roc d’Azur CIC — it’s a day of celebration!
