🏆 Sports

Mate Szakacs earns bronze at Mountain Bike World Cup in Turkey

14 Jun 2026, 23:34

Mate Szakacs has secured a bronze medal at the first stage of the Mountain Bike World Cup XCE held in Sakarya, Turkey. This achievement comes just a week after he finished fourth at the European Championship in the same discipline.

The competition in Turkey was intense, with Szakacs battling for a podium finish alongside top competitors like Jakob Klemencic, the reigning European champion, and Theo Hauser. The final was described as extremely tough and competitive, showcasing the high level of skill and endurance required in MTB Eliminator (XCE).

Ede Molnar, representing Dinamo-Mit Clima-Bikexpert, also performed admirably, finishing in seventh place after winning a bronze medal at the European Championship just a week prior. Both athletes highlight the growing strength and talent in Romanian mountain biking.

Cătălin Sprinceană, president of the Romanian Cycling Federation, commented on the progress of the sport in the country, noting that Romania is moving away from relying on a single athlete per discipline. He extended his congratulations to CSM Unirea Alba Iulia - Biciclim Alba for their invaluable support of Mate Szakacs, reflecting a collaborative spirit that is vital for the future of Romanian cycling.