Torpado Kenda FSA Dominate Roc d’Azur with Manitou Cross Country and XCM Suspension Performance

The Roc d’Azur is a landmark event in the world of cross country (XC) and cross country marathon (XCM) racing — a celebration of endurance, speed, and technical mastery.

Known for its demanding terrain and global prestige, it’s a proving ground where the world’s best XC and XCM mountain bike racers measure themselves against the sport’s toughest competition.

This year, the Torpado Kenda FSA Factory Team, equipped with Manitou’s elite cross country suspension system, delivered a masterclass in consistency and performance. Over three days and across multiple disciplines — XC, XCM, and gravel — the team achieved four podiums, including a spectacular 1-2 finish in the Roc Classic, the crown jewel of the event.

Torpado Kenda FSA Dominate Roc d’Azur with Manitou Cross Country and XCM Suspension Performance

Cross Country Precision. XCM Control. Manitou Performance.

From the high-speed climbs of the Roc Marathon to the explosive sprint battles of the Roc Classic, the team relied on Manitou’s R8 cross country fork, the Mara Pro IL XC rear shock, and the Ace/Deuce remote system — a combination purpose-built for modern XC and XCM racing.

The Manitou R8 represents the pinnacle of cross country and marathon suspension design, engineered for riders who demand maximum efficiency uphill and unwavering confidence downhill. Its class-leading mid-stroke support and small-bump sensitivity gave riders unmatched traction and control on the slippery, rain-soaked trails of southern France.

Matched with the Mara Pro IL XC, the system provided a perfectly balanced platform: firm and efficient on climbs, responsive and composed on technical descents. The Ace/Deuce remote allowed seamless control over both fork and shock — a vital edge in elite-level XCM racing, where fractions of a second can make or break a result.

Roc Classic: A Cross Country Marathon Showcase

The Roc Classic, the most prestigious race of the Roc d’Azur, saw Jakob Dorigoni and Gioele De Cosmo deliver one of the standout performances of the 2025 XCM season. The duo attacked from the 25 km mark, showcasing their superior teamwork and the composure of their Manitou suspension-equipped Torpado Renero X bikes.

Dorigoni crossed the line first, claiming his first Roc Classic victory, with De Cosmo following in second for a historic 1-2 finish. Behind them, Casey South finished fifth and Fabian Rabensteiner tenth — placing all four Torpado Kenda FSA riders inside the top ten in one of the world’s most competitive cross country marathon races.

Built for XCM Endurance, Tuned for XC Speed

The Roc d’Azur’s combination of rocky climbs, loose descents, and unpredictable weather demanded suspension that could adapt in real time — a hallmark of Manitou’s cross country and XCM performance philosophy. The R8’s lightweight chassis and Reverse Arch design delivered exceptional stiffness and strength with less material, giving riders a tangible advantage on long climbs and high-speed transitions. Meanwhile, the Mara Pro IL XC provided the kind of small-bump compliance and damping precision that only physics — not electronics — can deliver. It’s suspension performance that’s intuitive, reliable, and engineered for riders who train and race at the highest level of XC and XCM competition.

Roc Classic: A Cross Country Marathon Showcase

The Roc Classic, the most prestigious race of the Roc d’Azur, saw Jakob Dorigoni and Gioele De Cosmo deliver one of the standout performances of the 2025 XCM season. The duo attacked from the 25 km mark, showcasing their superior teamwork and the composure of their Manitou suspension-equipped Torpado Renero X bikes.

Dorigoni crossed the line first, claiming his first Roc Classic victory, with De Cosmo following in second for a historic 1-2 finish. Behind them, Casey South finished fifth and Fabian Rabensteiner tenth — placing all four Torpado Kenda FSA riders inside the top ten in one of the world’s most competitive cross country marathon races.

Built for XCM Endurance, Tuned for XC Speed

The Roc d’Azur’s combination of rocky climbs, loose descents, and unpredictable weather demanded suspension that could adapt in real time — a hallmark of Manitou’s cross country and XCM performance philosophy. The R8’s lightweight chassis and Reverse Arch design delivered exceptional stiffness and strength with less material, giving riders a tangible advantage on long climbs and high-speed transitions.

Meanwhile, the Mara Pro IL XC provided the kind of small-bump compliance and damping precision that only physics — not electronics — can deliver. It’s suspension performance that’s intuitive, reliable, and engineered for riders who train and race at the highest level of XC and XCM competition.

Endurance. Speed. Control. Manitou.

The Torpado Kenda FSA team’s Roc d’Azur campaign underscores what makes Manitou suspension the choice of world-class cross country marathon athletes: efficiency when it matters most, composure when fatigue sets in, and confidence when the terrain gets brutal.

From the steep climbs of the Marathon Roc to the explosive demands of the Roc Classic, Manitou’s R8 fork, Mara Pro IL XC shock, and Ace/Deuce remote proved once again that true performance is built on engineering integrity — not marketing gimmicks.

Manitou – Physics, Not Fashion. Engineered for XC. Perfect for XCM.