Sun, rain, and wind hit the U23 women in varying amounts over the 31.3km time trial course at the European Time Trial Championships in Hasselt, Belgium on Wednesday. In the end, it was Anniina Ahtosalo (Finland) who flew to victory with a time of 40:54, beating Antonia Niedermaier of Germany by 29 seconds, and Marie Schreiber (Luxembourg) by 31 seconds.
The 21-year-old Ahtosalo, who rides for Uno-X Mobility, was ecstatic with her victory and the fact that she finished almost 30 seconds faster than current U23 World Champion, Niedermaier, who rides for Canyon/SRAM.
Ahtosalo is known more for her sprint, most recently finishing second to Charlotte Kool in stage 1 of the Tour de France Femmes, so this victory was especially sweet for her. “My goal was clearly a medal, ” said Ahtosalo afterwards. “But I thought to myself that I really feel that gold is possible. I knew the weather was a small advantage for me. I then rode the turns a little calmer to arrive safely and pressed even more on the straight.”
Silver medalist Niedermaier, who is more of GC rider, was pleased with her performance on the flat windy course. “Second at the European Championships in a flat, windy time trial – a bit of deja vu today. But it was definitely cool. I just like to torture myself and ride my thing. It’s just good for me. It was drizzling a little at the start, but it went well.”
Schreiber, who rides for SD Worx-Protime, went into the time trial without any expectations and surprised herself in the end with bronze. “It was completely unexpected,” said Schreiber. “It’s my first time trial of this magnitude. I went into this race with no expectations, but then I felt my legs and was able to start pushing. It will be different at the Worlds, but I will definitely do it. I’ve already reached this podium, so no matter what happens, I’ve already had a good European Championship.”
Notably absent in the top standings were the Dutch and Belgians. Nienke Vinke (Netherlands) was the highest placed Dutch finisher in 6th place at 38 seconds off the winning pace, while Febe Jooris (Belgium) was the highest placed Belgian in 8th place, 44 seconds slower than the winner.
HIGHLIGHTS
RESULTS
European Championships: U23 Women Time Trial (31.2km)
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
