Reigning Olympic Champion Anna van der Breggen became the World Champion for road racing in the Women Elite category for the first time after she attacked 40 kilometres from the finishing line before soloing to victory.
A proven climber with multiple victories at the Giro d’Italia, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Flèche Wallonne and Amstel Gold Race, the 2016 European Champion made the best of her favourite terrain in Innsbruck-Tirol. She crossed the line 3’42” ahead of runner-up Amanda Spratt from Australia and 5’26” ahead of Italy’s Tatiana Guderzo who took the bronze medal.
The winner, Anna van der Breggen said in the press conference: “I really liked the circuit since the first time I saw it. I built my season for being fresher than usual at this time of the year, skipping some races like the Giro d’Italia that I won last year and doing some mountain biking instead of road racing. I felt the pressure growing as we came closer to the race. It’s been quite a long period leading up to today. This morning, I felt that it’d be over soon and I could finally relax.
“I had an incredible team to help me and Annemiek [Van Vleuten]. We were two leaders but she had a nasty crash. Amanda Spratt made the first breakaway. We knew she’s a good climber, but we reacted perfectly and I could continue racing for the win. When I crossed the finishing line, I felt absolutely relieved that it finally worked out well for me at the World Championship.
“I really like to be here in Innsbruck-Tirol. I just love the mountains, the area and the people. They were so happy to host the World Championships. They’ve put on a really nice event. I like climbing and we don’t have that at home. Innsbruck is close to Holland. It’s the perfect place to come for training. I’ll be back!”
Amanda Spratt, second, said: “I’m definitely happy with the silver medal. I can be very proud of this. The Australian team did a very good job protecting me in the early laps. When I made my move, I was expecting the Dutch to come across and Anna [van der Breggen] came across. I just tried to hold her wheel as much as I could, which was maybe a little mistake. I probably could have stayed with her a little longer than I did but she was on another level today.
“She was so so strong… I’m glad to deliver a medal for the team. They’ve been supporting me, backing me since when the team was selected.
“It was my second time racing in Austria. 13 years ago, I rode the Junior Worlds, track and road, in this country. I also came here to Innsbruck in October last year to reconnoitre the course. I love the beautiful nature and scenery in Tirol.”
Tatiana Guderzo, third, said: “We started with Elisa [Longo Borghini] as our leader and we haven’t changed any tactical plan, but there has been some stress at some stage. I wanted to race for my team-mates and get a good place at the end. It went well eventually. Anna van der Breggen doesn’t need any introduction. She was the athlete to beat, so if she won, it means she was unbeatable. When she rode away, I was flat out and I didn’t see the race situation very well. After that we had to assess the situation in order to get a medal and we made it.”
WOMEN ELITE ROAD RACE PODIUM
1 – Anna van der Breggen – 155.6km in 4h11’04”, average speed 37.185km/h
2 – Amanda Spratt at 3’42”
3 – Tatiana Guderzo at 5’26”
