By Worlds Correspondent Malte Ågård
Stockholm - Borys Bednarski (Kremer) grabbed full honours in the Worlds Road Race today, emerging victorious from a bunch sprint at the line.
The Polish sprinter found himself all alone towards the end of the course as leadout man Paulo Picariello went missing in action, but showed some tactical nous as he latched onto Damario Barba's (Luveaucek) back wheel. As Barba's own leadout rider swung off early, Bednarski exploded past the surprised Balearic Islander in a dash for the line.
The 29-year-old was visibly delighted as he crossed the line first, hands raised to the heavens as he let out a discernible roar.
That moment of hesitation from Berba was also enough for Drapeau Noir's Ruddy Lind to snatch an unlikely second place. Berba could be seen cursing his ill luck, but would have had to admit upon reviewing the race footage that he had no one else to blame, having faltered visibly in surprise as Bednarski seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
"It | | was ours to win and I messed it up," a distraught Berba told assembled journalists.
"Pomeroy (de Rouvres) was great, putting me in a good position near the end, but I didn't expect Bednarski to slip through on my right.
"I don't know if we'll ever have as good a chance as today."
Hard work pays off
The new world champion was quick to praise his team and family after the win, dedicating it to those who had supported him throughout his career.
"Manager Wojciu deserves a lot of credit of course," he said, "He took a chance signing me from Cyklista and made me the rider I am today.
"I can't say I didn't benefit from a little luck today, but a large part of it is definitely down to the hard work we've done in training.
"The leadout train didn't really work today, but we've planned for this situation before.
"I knew to stay calm and try to find someone's wheel, and then look for some space to slip through."
|
| | | | World Championships
1. Borys Bednarski, Kremer
2. Ruddy Lind, Drapeau Noir
3. Damario Berba, Luveaucek
4. Jens Waesbergen, The Killers
5. Ronaldinho Isasi, Equipo Easy On
6. Spiridon Apetri, Equipe Hollandia
7. Montague Taffe, Il Grillo
8. Rob Kaisen, Shinboners
9. Mas"ud Qutaiba, Ponsbach CST
|