Pomerode, SC – October 20, 2024
The town of Pomerode provided the perfect setting for the thrilling final stage of the Chaoyang Mountain Bike Challenge 2024. With a large audience and an impressive participation of 860 bikers from various states, the event not only crowned the season’s champions but also highlighted the scenic beauty and rich culture of the most German town in Brazil. Pomerode, with its natural and European charm, has established itself as an ideal destination both for competitions and for those looking to explore the city’s stunning landscapes.
Famous for its traditional half-timbered architecture, Pomerode enchants visitors with the charm of its historic buildings and well-preserved traditions. The race course wound its way through the surrounding mountains, passing through breathtaking landscapes of blooming fields and dense forests, offering a unique visual spectacle for both cyclists and spectators.
Cyclists competed in various categories, including Pro, Sport, and Amateur, allowing both professional and amateur athletes to showcase their talent and passion for mountain biking. The categories were structured to promote inclusion and fair competition, with the elite riders battling for victory alongside cyclists who were there purely for the love of the sport.
In the Pro category, one of the standout moments was the participation of professional athletes from the Audax Race Team Brasil, who brought a high technical level to the competition. The intense battle between Henrique Cocuzzi, Cristian Lazzari, and local rider André Gohr was one of the most electrifying moments of the stage. The three riders engaged in a thrilling race from start to finish, delivering a true display of strength, technique, and endurance. In the end, Gohr secured the podium with an impeccable performance and race strategy.
In the overall category, André Gohr shone brightly, riding his gravel bike alongside the Audax team athletes on their mountain bikes. He demonstrated not only his strength on the demanding climbs but also his technical mastery on mixed terrain, securing first place in the final stage and clinching his overall victory in the 2024 Chaoyang Mountain Bike Challenge.
“I’m very happy to have returned to compete in the Chaoyang Mountain Bike Challenge here in Pomerode, this time in the gravel category. It was a sensational course, worthy of a true MTB race, and why not for gravel as well? I congratulate the entire organization for their work, not just in this stage but throughout the entire championship, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to include the gravel category alongside all the Pro divisions, showing that this is a race for all levels of athletes and all types of bikes,” said André Gohr.
In the Pro Women’s category, Tamires Radatz proved to be in top form. Returning to mountain bike racing in style, she solidified her dominance by taking first place, earning applause from the crowd along the many climbs of the course.
Beyond the fierce competition, the event also fostered a family-friendly and festive atmosphere, with dedicated spaces for children, making the Chaoyang Mountain Bike Challenge a true celebration of cycling. The organizers emphasized the importance of events like this for the development of the sport in Brazil, as well as for promoting local tourism.
“The Chaoyang Mountain Bike Challenge achieved its 2024 goal, which was to deliver fantastic stages in attractive locations for mountain biking and to bring economic returns to the host municipalities through these epic races. We experienced great emotions and unique moments in each of the stages, and we look forward to 2025 with high expectations for even more authentic mountain biking!" said Flávio Borges, event organizer.
The champions were honored in an awards ceremony that brought together athletes, families, and fans in a celebration of the bikers' dedication and efforts over the course of the four 2024 stages. The challenge for next year has been set, and anticipation for the 2025 edition is already building among MTB enthusiasts.
