One of the most profitable seasons in the career of the Alpine from Gressoney ended with gold in the distance of Dobbiaco in Süd Tirol. He was able to step on the podium several times in the World Cup and at the World Championships.
Toblach, Italy – Apr. 05th, 2023 • Francesco De Fabiani's 2022-23 racing season has officially ended in Toblach with the traditional week of the Italian Championships.
And the Alpine from the Centro Sportivo Esercito of Courmayeur closed, as they say in the slang, with a bang: gold in the 10km, fourth in the Sprint, silver in the Mixed Relay and finally, still winning (but not Italian champion, given that the race actually replaced the 50 km due to imperfect track conditions) in the Team Sprint. All competitions were in free technique.
De Fabiani is satisfied with this Italian week: «It was nice to end the season in Toblach on the course that saw us win the World Cup’s relay in February. On an individual level I take home a title in the 10 km ahead of Elia Barp and Giuseppe Montello which gratifies me and makes me close the season in a positive way. I didn't expect the great result from the Sprint, while in the mixed relay, us of CSE (Montello – Pittin and myself) only surrendered to Federico Pellegrino's Fiamme Oro and took home the silver. Finally, in the Team Sprint, Giacomo Gabrielli and I won the gold preceding the Fiamme Oro and the Carabinieri, closing this round absolutely positively».
Francesco's international season was also positive, he always seemed fit and motivated from the start and capable of reaching the podium once at an individual level, twice in team sprints, once in the relay (victory) and once again at the world championships in team sprints. The “turning point” towards the uptowns in the international field has arrived, coincidentally in the 15 km of Lago di Tesero in Val di Fiemme «where I confirmed my skills on a course that I have always loved – says Defast – and which will be the terrain battle also at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, albeit with some inevitable changes to the course».
In Livigno and Lahti with Federico Pellegrino «we were able to get on the podium in our favorite race, the Team Sprint, confirming us as a valuable couple capable of taking silver also in Planica during the World Championships. That was a memorable day for us and for all of Team Italia».
And speaking of team competitions, one of the best moments of De Fabiani's career was lived again in Toblach, on the first weekend of February: «the victory in the relay with Nöckler, Daprà and Pellegrino remains for me and for us, one of the highlights, I think the most beautiful ever. This season has been very positive for me and I believe that this year's emotions are the best encouragement for a great start next year. I would like to thank the Centro Sportivo Esercito, Salomon, ART Advanced Solution, Salice Occhiali, Lill Sport, Swix and the Valle d'Aosta Region for the support, as well as all the Team Italy, my family, my Fan Club and of course all the my fans!».
__________________________________
Press Office of Francesco De Fabiani
Written by Paolo Mei
Translated by Nicolò Caneparo
