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TORPADO KENDA FSA: SMOOTH START TO THE SEASON ATOP MANITOU
Mar 02, 2026
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The 2026 season could not have started better for Torpado Kenda FSA.
At The Wild Woods, the team delivered an emphatic statement of intent in the opening cross country race of the year. Racing under difficult winter conditions and on a demanding course in the Colli Euganei near Montegrotto Terme, the squad demonstrated both tactical maturity and outright speed.
The result was total domination.
The men’s race saw Gioele De Cosmo take the victory ahead of teammates Fabian Rabensteiner and Casey South, securing a complete podium sweep for the team. On the women’s side, Giorgia Marchet celebrated her first victory in Torpado Kenda FSA colors, followed by Katazina Sosna in second place to complete a double podium for the squad.
Five riders on the podium across the men’s and women’s races marked a powerful start to the season.
And throughout the weekend, Manitou suspension played a key role in helping the team perform at the highest level.
At The Wild Woods, the team delivered an emphatic statement of intent in the opening cross country race of the year. Racing under difficult winter conditions and on a demanding course in the Colli Euganei near Montegrotto Terme, the squad demonstrated both tactical maturity and outright speed.
The result was total domination.
The men’s race saw Gioele De Cosmo take the victory ahead of teammates Fabian Rabensteiner and Casey South, securing a complete podium sweep for the team. On the women’s side, Giorgia Marchet celebrated her first victory in Torpado Kenda FSA colors, followed by Katazina Sosna in second place to complete a double podium for the squad.
Five riders on the podium across the men’s and women’s races marked a powerful start to the season.
And throughout the weekend, Manitou suspension played a key role in helping the team perform at the highest level.
Precision XC Performance with Manitou
The Torpado Kenda FSA race bikes rely on a purpose built Manitou XC suspension system consisting of the Manitou R8 fork, Mara Pro IL XC rear shock, and the Ace/Deuce remote control system.
Together these components form a highly refined suspension package designed specifically for the demands of modern cross country racing.
The Manitou R8 fork delivers the precise steering control, efficiency, and small bump sensitivity required for today’s technical XC courses. Lightweight yet exceptionally stiff, the R8 chassis ensures accurate tracking through rough terrain while maintaining the responsiveness elite riders demand when pushing the pace.
Out back, the Mara Pro IL XC shock provides consistent traction and support across constantly changing terrain. Its carefully tuned air spring and damping system allow riders to maintain momentum over technical climbs while preserving composure during aggressive descents.
Connecting the system is Manitou’s Ace/Deuce remote, allowing riders to instantly switch between suspension modes without taking their hands off the bars. In modern cross country racing, where terrain transitions constantly between full power climbing and technical descending, this immediate control becomes a crucial advantage.
A Team Built for Victory
The results at The Wild Woods were more than just early season success. They demonstrated the strength of a well coordinated team working together with a clear tactical approach.
Throughout the race, Torpado Kenda FSA controlled the pace and managed the competition with remarkable composure. The men’s podium sweep and women’s one two finish reflected both individual talent and a unified team strategy.
For Manitou, the weekend reinforced the role that precise suspension performance plays in modern cross country racing. Courses continue to grow more technical, speeds continue to increase, and riders demand equipment capable of delivering efficiency without sacrificing control.
A Strong Start to the Season
The victories at Montegrotto Terme mark the first chapter of what promises to be an exciting season for Torpado Kenda FSA.
With a roster of elite athletes, a clear racing philosophy, and a suspension platform built for modern XC performance, the team has already shown it has the tools to compete at the very front of the field.
And with Manitou R8 forks, Mara Pro IL XC shocks, and the Ace/Deuce remote system working together beneath them, they have the control and efficiency needed to keep pushing the pace all season long.
