Italian rider Federica Venturelli is the new U23 European Champion.
Today, she claimed victory in the Individual Time Trial on a 24 km course in France, an outstanding achievement coming just a week after her bronze medal at the World Championships in the same discipline.
Spain’s Paula Blasi finished in 10th place.
The course ran 24 kilometers from Loriol-sur-Drôme to Étoile-sur-Rhône, completed by Venturelli in 24:17 at an impressive average speed of 42 km/h.
The silver medal went to Finland’s Anniina Ahtosalo, 48 seconds behind, while the bronze went to Belgium’s Luca Vierstraete, at 51 seconds.
Also competing were Italy’s Francesca Pellegnini (13th) and Alena Ivanchenko (18th).
Federica Venturelli’s statement: “It was a very tough time trial because of the wind, which was always either cross or headwind, and I think that was the main factor that made the race so challenging. Otherwise, given that the course was mostly flat, it wouldn’t have been too demanding.
I came here today with the hope of winning. I knew there were some strong opponents, but considering my form after the World Championships, I felt confident about fighting for the jersey. I tried to ride as steadily as possible, keeping something in reserve for the second part, which was into the wind and therefore the section where you could lose the most time. My plan worked perfectly, and winning has definitely been an incredible emotion.
Of course, a bronze medal at the World Championships is already a great achievement, but being able to win a jersey and wear it throughout the following year is truly special. I’m very happy to have achieved this goal that I had set for myself at the beginning of the season.”
(ph. Getty Sport)
