Marcella Toldi gana la Epic Race Brazil 2025 y celebra el desafío, el recorrido y su conexión con la carrera.
Tough elevation gain, accumulated fatigue, and a champion who chose to go all the way in both days of the race.
By Nathan Burn — Campos do Jordão
06/01/2026
Winning the Epic Race Brazil 2025 was, for Marcella Toldi, much more than just standing on the highest step of the podium. Held over two intense days, with significant elevation gain and demanding sections in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range, the race pushed athletes to their physical and mental limits – exactly the kind of challenge that marks the champion's career.
“I’m so happy to finish, hahaha. I was exhausted like I haven’t been in a long time after a race. Happy to have completed the two-day challenge,” said Marcella, recalling the moment she crossed the finish line. According to her, the placement was almost a consequence. “I didn’t think much about the placement, but it was nice to win, of course.”
The word chosen to define the achievement perfectly sums up the atmosphere at the event. "Joy! What a special celebration this race was!", she emphasized. The champion also made a point of highlighting the final ceremony: "I loved the awards ceremony, it's a huge plus."
Two days on the edge
According to Marcella, the Epic Race Brasil 2025 was, without a doubt, the toughest race she has ever faced at that distance. "Definitely. Because of the amount of elevation gain. Tough for anyone," she stated. She also revealed that a mistake on the first day ended up costing her dearly on the second. "Everyone always pushes themselves to the limit of their pace, but I made a mistake on the first day and suffered a lot on the second."
The two-day format was one of the highlights of the experience. "The course is very beautiful, I found it well organized, and the challenge proposed for the 1st and 2nd days was just right,"
Photo by: Diogo Anhasco Sotano
She reflected on the experience. For her, the involvement of the local community made all the difference. “I love races that have a lot of local people involved—it just feels different.”
Climbs that don’t forgive
Even with rideable sections, the fatigue kept building kilometer after kilometer. “Most of the climbs were rideable, but they really wear you down,” she said. Marcella highlighted the final climbs of the first day and the last ones before the border on the second day as the toughest moments. “They were super hard.”
Even so, the scenery made it all worthwhile. “Beautiful. Even though it was tough, it was amazing,” she said about the course in Campos do Jordão.
Strategy, preparation, and mindset
Known for her aggressive style, Marcella stayed true to herself at Epic Race. “I always go to my limit. My goal is to give everything I have for that day,” she explained. Her preparation included strength training and specific climbing sessions. “For races with a lot of elevation, strength training and MTB climbing workouts help a lot,” she said, emphasizing the importance of a strong base.
When it comes to results, her mindset stays the same regardless of the competition level. “Whether I’m lining up against a world champion or my mom, my mindset doesn’t change—I always go all in.”
Much more than victory
According to her, the biggest challenge was to keep going when her body was already showing clear signs of exhaustion. “Pushing through at the end of both days, when my legs were completely shot. Not holding anything back.” Her fuel came from curiosity and personal commitment. “The desire to see the entire course and the idea of giving everything I had that day.”
Despite the title, Marcella downplays the weight of the victory. “Honestly, the win itself isn’t that big of a deal, but finally experiencing Epic Race, meeting everyone involved, and being part of this edition means a lot,” she said. “It holds a special place in my life, and I’ll remember it very fondly.”
When dedicating her achievement, she looks beyond herself. “If someone felt inspired to ride more because of this, then it’s for those people,” she said, reinforcing the impact the sport can have.
For those who dream of competing or winning a race like Epic Race, her message is clear: “Focus on your own path, stay consistent, and do it if it’s helping you grow as a person. It’s always about ourselves—the journey is internal. Do it for you.”
And about the future, her answer came without hesitation: “For sure!” confirming her presence in future editions of Epic Race.