Aigul Gareeva and Antonio Tiberi bounced back from dramatic setbacks to claim sensational victories in the Women’s and Men’s Junior Individual Time Trial events at the 2019 UCI Road World Championships.
Harrogate, a spa town in North Yorkshire once again proved a stunning backdrop, with the female riders tackling one lap of the 13.7km circuit before the men took on the same course twice.
Aigul Gareeva of Russia in the rainbow jersey after winning the Women’s Junior Individual Time Trial.
Junior Women’s Individual Time Trial
In the Women’s race, Russian starlet Gareeva had to make a hasty U-turn after missing the tight right hand-bend onto the finishing straight. Gareeva showed resolve and held on to her margin to take the win and gold medal. Gareeva, won by 3.61sec over Shirin van Anrooij (Netherlands), and Great Britain claimed their second bronze medal in as many days with Elynor Backstedt who ended the day 10.93sec down.
“I was on my absolute limit as I approached that last corner and was following the white stripes on the road instead of looking up at where I was going. It was an error on my part and I was so relieved when I was still able to win. It was a very emotional moment for me and am so proud to have my rainbow jersey.” – Aigul Gareeva.Great Britain’s Amelia Sharpe rolls out the start ramp and placed 26th on the day.Lea Curinier of France placed 14th. “It was a hilly and technical circuit but I enjoyed every minute of it. I had a little wobble half-way around which lost me some seconds but thankfully I stayed on my bike. The crowds were absolutely incredible. I was the last rider down the start ramp and I could hear the fans cheering my name before I’d even started. That cheering didn’t stop then for my full ride and it certainly pushed me along. I am really happy with my bronze medal and it was an unbelievable experience.” – Elynor Backstedt.Women Junior Individual Time Trial podium with Shirin van Anrooij of The Netherlands, Aigul Gareeva of Russia and Elynor Backstedt of Great Britain.
FINAL RESULTS: Junior Women Individual Time Trial
Aigul GAREEVA (RUS) 22:16.23
Shirin van ANROOIJ (NED) +3.61
Elgnor BACKSTEDT (GBR) +10.93
12th Frances JANSE VAN RENSBURG (RSA) +57.01
43rd Kelsey VAN SCHOOR (RSA) +2:50.39
Junior Men’s Individual Time Trial
In the men’s race there was drama at the start ramp for Italian Tiberi who was forced into an early bike change after snapping his chain as he started. Tiberi took his first rainbow jersey by stopping the clock 7.79sec faster than next-best competitor Enzo Leijnse (Netherlands).
Branko Huys of Belgium placed 33rd.Silver medalist Enzo Leijnse of The Netherlands.Oscar Nilsson-Julien of Great Britain placed 9th.“I knew straight away that I’d snapped my chain but luckily I was able to roll to my team car and get a bike change. I thought at that point there was no chance I would win but I refocused and was surprised to find out later in the race that I was leading. That gave me huge motivation and I could not believe it when I had won.” – Antonio TiberiEnzo Leijnse of The Netherlands, Antonio Tiberi of Italy and Marco Brenner of Germany on the podium.
FINAL RESULTS: Junior Men Individual Time Trial
Antonio TIBERI (ITA) 38:28.25
Enzo LEIJNSE (NED) +7.79
Marco BRENNER (GER) +12.62
39th Damon FOUCHEE (RSA) +3:33.27
Yorkshire 2019 CEO Andy Hindley said: “We’ve witnessed some amazing sports stories today. Aigul, Antonio and Elynor all experienced problems during their rides but their ‘never say die’ attitude was hugely inspiring to watch – especially from riders so young. Each of their incidents only added to the drama, and I can’t remember two individual time trials quite as exciting as those we witnessed today.”
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