Between ancient canyons, historic villages, and centuries-old olive trees , the athletes ran to the sea, immersed in a landscape that alternates wild nature and centuries-old history.
It was an intense weekend, three days of training and competition that tested the athletes' determination and strengthened their bond. The course proved even more challenging than expected, but the experience strengthened the fundamental bond between the trail team and the Fessura staff, united by the same passion and vision. This experience confirmed Fessura's presence in the world of performance, placing it on the same level as the giants, demonstrating how innovation and team spirit have enabled the creation of products designed for the real needs of athletes. The results achieved demonstrate a constant growth, where strength and determination have surpassed every limit.
Three days of challenges between ravines and sea
The Puglia by UTMB 2025 began at night in the heart of Matera, where two athletes took the start of the main race, the "Sassi di Matera": 144 km and 3,800 meters of elevation gain through canyons and breathtaking landscapes. Riccardo Pianesi and Annalisa Fitti set off on Friday evening, immersed in darkness and incessant rain, tackling trails made slippery and impassable by mud.
While over 120 competitors had to give up, every step was a test of balance and endurance, leading them to cross the finish line only the following day. Riccardo finished sixth overall and first Italian, Annalisa seventh among the women. These excellent performances instilled energy and determination in the other athletes.
On Saturday morning, the hills finally shone with the sun, as the 85km, 2000m elevation gain "Le Maioliche di Laterza" race began. Abram, Bartolini, Bellini, and Donati faced still-heavy terrain, where mud proved to be their worst enemy.
Bartolini and Donati raced side by side, almost to the finish line, taking eighth place overall (first in their category) and ninth place respectively, demonstrating that mutual support is the strength of great teams.
Abram and Bellini, facing a terrain different from their usual trail style, still finished excellently, 22nd and 29th respectively out of 505 athletes, confirming their talent, endurance, and determination in every meter covered.
On the same day, Mario Maresca tackled the "Ginosa Rivolta Trail" (35 km and 350 m elevation gain). After leading the race at the top, a final stretch of sand made the race even more treacherous, but Mario fought with grit and determination, taking 5th place overall and turning the challenge into another testament to the team's strength and character.
Sunday closed the weekend with overwhelming emotions. In the 10km "Costa Verde Trail," Giorgio Lampa, making his debut with the Fessura team, dominated the course with a time of 37:46, taking first place overall and demonstrating great speed and explosiveness.
At the same time, Davide Alesi, Marco Brutti, Clara Donghi, Mirko Fioretti, Christian Marini and Margherita Vitali tackled the “Castellaneta Underground Trail” (50 km and 1000 D+), a fast but challenging route.
Margherita made history by taking another victory by a wide margin, while Clara, with incredible energy and determination, crossed the finish line in 21st place, demonstrating tenacity and determination.
Meanwhile, Brutti completed the race in 14th place with an excellent performance, while Marini and Fioretti ran side by side, supporting each other to the finish line, achieving strong finishes, 19th and 20th respectively out of 707 participants. Unfortunately, Alesi, due to some difficulties encountered along the way, was forced to DNF, but he approached the race with great commitment, demonstrating determination and determination.
Innovation, Passion and Performance, it's just the beginning.
All athletes competed in the races wearing Fessura technical apparel and the ULTRATRAIL GSR with Slot Technology, designed to ensure comfort, stability, and responsiveness in all conditions. Tested on technical and challenging terrain, the products confirmed their reliability and performance even in the most extreme situations.
From the start of the Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB to the Puglia by UTMB, the Fessura Trail Team's season has been a journey of growth and constant challenges. With the results achieved this past weekend, the team closes the season knowing they've reached a new level of excellence in the international trail running scene. It's not just about podiums and personal successes; it's the confirmation of a project that combines innovation, passion, and research, capable of supporting athletes in their most extreme performances and conveying the value of the brand. We are energy in motion.
