Known for his prowess in the long-distance marathon discipline, De Cosmo took on Italy’s best in Olympic Cross-Country—and nearly landed on the podium.
And he did it all on the same full-suspension setup he uses to chase World Cup marathon podiums: the Torpado Renero X, outfitted with Manitou R8 Pro fork, Mara Pro IL Gen 2 shock, and the ACE/DEUCE remote system for instant, adaptable control.
A Marathon Rider in a Short-Track Battle
The course in Tabiano Terme was no walk in the park—long climbs, fast transitions, and sharp technical features designed to reward explosive power and ultra-light XC builds. Despite that, Gioele led the race for two full laps, outpacing even the reigning European champion and several of Italy’s most decorated specialists.
“Gioele’s enthusiasm, courage, and current form carried him to the front of the pack—not just briefly, but with authority,” said team staff.
Just one week after securing 2nd place in the UCI Marathon World Cup on Germany’s Black Forest course, Gioele lined up again with zero compromise in equipment or strategy. His 4th-place finish—against riders on ultra-light hardtails—speaks volumes about his own capability, and the race-ready performance of the Renero X and Manitou suspension system beneath him.
Manitou R8 + Mara IL Gen 2: Control that Crosses Disciplines
The standout message? One bike. One suspension system. Two disciplines. Two elite results.
Gioele’s back-to-back results in XCO and Marathon highlight the unmatched versatility of Manitou’s XC suspension package, including:
R8 Pro Fork with 34mm Hyperlite chassis and triple-piston VTT Pro-X damper
Mara Pro IL Gen 2 shock with XC-specific compression tune and lightweight construction
ACE/DEUCE remote lockout system for simultaneous control of fork, shock, and dropper
Whether rocketing out of corners in a high-intensity XCO start loop or managing fatigue on hour-three of a marathon stage, the system offers pinpoint ride height control, effortless lockout, and just the right blend of support and compliance.
A Nod to the Past, A Leap Toward the Future
For De Cosmo, the return to XCO was also a return to his roots. The former U23 Italian National Champion (2019) reminded everyone that his toolbox runs deep, and that pure speed isn’t the exclusive domain of the specialists.
“A Sunday of sport. A Sunday that showcased the caliber of every rider on our roster,” the team shared in their recap.
And for Manitou, it’s another confirmation that the R8 platform isn’t just tuned for the marathon grind—it’s ready for the full-intensity arena of elite XCO.
One Platform. All Conditions. No Compromises.
From the technical climbs of Tabiano to the root-laced flow of the Black Forest, the Torpado Kenda Factory Team continues to push Manitou suspension into new territory—and Gioele De Cosmo is leading the charge.
Congratulations, Gioele—XCO proven. Marathon tested. All on Manitou.
