Cristian Scaroni kicks off season with win in Classica Camp de Morvedre 2026
Christian Scaroni kicked off the cycling season with a victory at the Classica Camp de Morvedre 2026. The 28-year-old Italian from XDS Astana broke away with Diego Pescador and Antonio Tiberi on the final climb of Alto del Garbí in and around Estivella, near Valencia. At the finish line, he beat the Colombian and his fellow countryman to second and third places. Scaroni succeeds Urko Berrade, who won last year.
Racing has already been in full swing in Australia in recent days, but Friday also marked the start of the European cycling season with the Classica Camp de Morvedre. This 1.1 race north of Valencia could be considered a contest for climbers, as the riders had to tackle the Alto del Garbí three times—5.1 kilometers at 9.2%.
Six WorldTeams were eager to begin their European season around Morvedre, including Soudal Quick-Step, UAE Emirates XRG, Jayco AlUla, Bahrain Victorious, Movistar, and XDS Astana. Additionally, Unibet Rose Rockets, featuring newcomer Wout Poels, participated. The first race of the season is always a bit uncertain in terms of what to expect.
Michael Matthews abandons race
Normally, riders start the new season full of optimism, but in Spain everyone initially waited and watched. The first serious attack came after about fifteen kilometers. Among those was Dutchman Enzo Leijnse, who after leaving Picnic PostNL now defends the colors of Portuguese team Anicolor/Campicarn.
Hungarian climbing talent Bálint Feldhoffer was also in the mix. In the peloton, XDS Astana immediately took the lead, and unfortunately, Michael Matthews had to abandon following a crash. Up front, the original breakaway group of five gradually broke apart. With ninety kilometers remaining, four riders were left, holding a lead of just over two minutes.
Soudal Quick-Step launches early finale
Just before the second climb of the Garbí, the peloton erupted. Gil Gelders and Jonathan Vervenne launched a two-man attack for Soudal Quick-Step. Fifty kilometers from the finish, the peloton caught all the remnants of the breakaway. Subsequently, there were numerous sharp attacks. Still, early escapee Thomas Bonnet was first to summit of the Garbí.
On the descent, a small group got away, including Poels. Nairo Quintana and Marc Soler were also present. XDS Astana and Jayco AlUla controlled the peloton, which was about half a minute behind the attackers. Just before the final climb of the Garbí, the breakaway was reeled in. Then it was up to XDS Astana team leader Christian Scaroni to shake things up.
Exciting final kilometers
The Italian was joined by Diego Pescador (Movistar) and Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious). Behind them, several riders tried to bridge solo or in groups, but the leading trio climbed too strongly. On the descent, the chasers could not gain an inch. Ultimately, the three had to settle it in Estivella.
The trio kept cooperating until the final kilometer. The young Pescador launched first, but Scaroni easily reeled him in. Tiberi ultimately lacked the sprint to seriously contest the win.
