It was another memorable day for UAE Development Team as two more riders claimed national titles in the Under 23 individual time trial category, adding to the success achieved on Monday by Rinata Sultanova, who secured the Elite Women’s time trial title in Kazakhstan.
The celebrations began in Ukraine, where Milana Ushakova delivered a strong performance to become the new Ukrainian Under 23 Time Trial Champion. The young rider proved to be the fastest among the U23 athletes over the 20-kilometre course, earning her first national title of the season.
After the race, Ushakova said: “I’m satisfied with my performance today. Everything went well. It wasn’t easy at all because it was very hot, but in the end I’m happy with the result.”
Later in the evening, Fee Knaven completed a perfect day for UAE Development Team by claiming the Dutch Under 23 Time Trial Championship title.
Competing against some of the biggest names in women’s cycling, Knaven delivered an impressive ride over the demanding 36-kilometre course. The Dutch rider finished 12th overall in a field packed with WorldTour talent and was the fastest Under 23 rider of the day, securing the national title.
Reflecting on her victory, Knaven said: “The race was really long, 36 kilometres, and it was extremely hot, around 36 degrees. But I managed to stay focused and win the Under 23 title. I was also the second-best non-WorldTour rider in the classification, so I’m really happy. This was one of my big goals for the season, so I’m very pleased to have achieved it.”
The two victories continue a highly successful week for UAE Development Team and further underline the strength of the squad’s young talent pipeline, with three national time trial titles secured in just three days across Kazakhstan, Ukraine and the Netherlands.
(ph. Fee Knaven by @sportfotografie_henk)
