Mediterranean Epic 2026: Natalia Fischer and David Valero confirm their dominance

Mediterranean Epic 2026: Natalia Fischer and David Valero confirm their dominance

the 4th and final stage of the Mediterranean Epic by SCOTT 2025 demands 56 km and 1,200 meters of elevation gain. The Spanish David Valero and Natalia secured their overall victory after a tight battle.

From a sporting perspective, the women’s general classification appeared almost decided. Natalia Fischer started the day with a comfortable time advantage that suggested overall victory was within reach unless a mechanical issue intervened. Rosa van Doorn, however, was unwilling to settle and from the very start pushed the pace hard in search of any sign of weakness. The two riders stayed together for most of the stage. Their duel was only decided on the final descent of the day, where Van Doorn opened a small advantage of just 5 seconds. That gap held to the finish line after a highly tense closing phase, with an intense battle in which neither rider gave in. Van Doorn secured her third stage win and confirmed second place overall. Shortly afterwards, Natalia Fischer crossed the line, repeating the overall victory. Behind them, American rider Hannah Otto once again completed the stage on her own, finishing third on the day and third overall in the final classification.

In the men’s race, Belgian rider Wout Alleman faced his final opportunity to put pressure on David Valero, who had looked very solid from the opening day. The leading group also included Briton Charlie Aldridge, who crossed the finish line first despite a flat tire, thereby winning the stage. David Valero crossed the line right behind him, sealing another overall victory at the race in his debut season fully focused on XCM. Wout Alleman lost some time but held on to second place overall, while the final podium was completed by young French rider Luca Martin.