Dygert Reigns Supreme in the Elite Women’s Individual Time Trial

by | Sep 24, 2019

The USA’s Chloe Dygert was too strong for the rest of the field as she powered to victory in the Elite Women’s Individual Time Trial, finishing in 42 minutes and 11.57 seconds, over a minute and a half faster than Anna van der Breggen of the Netherlands, with defending champion, Annemiek van Vleuten, also from the Netherlands, a further 20 seconds back.

The start time was pushed back by 40 minutes as the organisers endeavoured to make the course safe (the U23 men’s event earlier in the day had seen parts of the course near to flooding) and the start intervals were reduced to 60 seconds from 90 seconds to accommodate the delay.

Alena Amialiusik from Belarus was the early leader with a time of 45 minutes 29.13 seconds, which would be good enough for 9th eventually. She would remain in the lead until Dygert finished.

It was clear from the start that Dygert was going to be the rider to beat as she caught her minute rider, Lisa Brennauer of Germany (who would finish in 10th). She was the only rider to go under 20 minutes at the time check after 14.2km (which she did in 18:57.88), although the difference for the second split was around 21 seconds.

Van der Breggen would finish second for the fourth time, with Van Vleuten making up the podium, although both women conceded that to be beaten so emphatically made the disappointment slightly more bearable. One thing’s for sure, Dygert might consider coming to Europe more often (this event being her first in Europe) if today’s result is anything to go by.

Anna Turvey talks about her World Champ ITT

Stream Anna Turvey talks about her World Champ ITT by Cycling Shorts from desktop or your mobile device

It’s always special to wear the rainbow stripes and I worked really hard for this. I had a concussion which forced me to miss last year’s Championships so I prepared specifically for this one and to win is really special.

Being here in Yorkshire is really cool and it’s a really neat place to be. I’ll enjoy this moment tonight but I’ll be competing in the road race on Saturday so it’ll be back to work tomorrow.

Chloé Dygert Owen

Women's Individual Time Trial World Champion, Team USA

UCI World Road Championships Women’s Individual Time Trial Press Conference by Cycling Shorts

UCI World Road Championships Women’s Individual Time Trial Press Conference with new world Champion Chloe Dygerts, Silver medal Anna van der Breggen and bronze medalist Annemiek van Vleuten. All content ©www.cyclingshorts.cc

 

It’s been an epic day today. The weather was miserable but the organisational team pulled together really well to sort the course out and they’ve all been brilliant. We obviously didn’t want to delay the women’s race but safety is our paramount concern during these Championships and we didn’t want to send riders out on an unsafe course. We were treated to some fantastic sport across both races and we’ve seen some amazing results.

I have to mention the crowds as well. Despite the conditions there were lots of people out banging the boards, making lots of noise and giving the riders a really warm welcome.

Andy Hindley

CEO, Yorkshire 2019

Heather Bamforth

Heather Bamforth

CyclingShorts.cc Sub-Editor

Heather has been with CyclingShorts.cc for 10 years attending and reporting on major cycling events; Tour de France, Tour de Yorkshire, World Track Championships, World Road Race Championships to name a few.

Influencer, Trustee & Founder of The Racing Chance Foundation Charity, Member of the British Cycling Road Commission, BC Regional board member and National Councillor

Heather is a highly respected member of the British Cycling community, she founded the Racing Chance Foundation, a cycling charity to help women gain experience in cycle racing and progress their cycling careers.

Anna Mgrath

Anna Mgrath

Editor & Founder

Anna Magrath founded CyclingShorts.cc in 2008 and invited some of her cycling friends; coaches, photographers, writers and pro cyclists of different disciplines to join her, bringing you all things cycling related. She has a passion for track and road cycling.

Over the years Anna has supported grass roots cycling events, riders and teams, all the way up to reporting from the top cycle races on the world calendar including; the Tour de France, Olympics, World Cups & World Championships.

Anna is a BAJ & SJA accredited journalist and has a background in Film & Television, and award winning Designer and Art Director, working for BBC, CH4, and many others.

Anna is a member of A©ID

Want to get involved? Why not get in touch.

Cycling Shorts.cc are official sponsors of The Racing Chance Foundation, Team Jadan and cyclists Amy Gornall & Fraser Martin.

Fred Bamforth

Fred Bamforth

Writer - Chair of Road Work Group British North West Region & Team Manager Racing Chance Foundation

Fred has been with CyclingShorts.cc for 5 years attending and reporting on major cycling events; Tour de France, Tour de Yorkshire, World Track Championships, World Road Race Championships to name a few.

Active member of the Northern Cycling community since the 1980's. Team manager for the Racing Chance Foundation, a cycling charity to help women gain experience in cycle racing and progress their cycling careers.

Fred is Chair of Road Work Group for British North West Region.

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics.

Chris is a member of the SJA.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

Gareeva Powers to Success in the Junior Women’s Individual Time Trial

by | Sep 23, 2019

Russian rider Aigul Gareeva wins the Junior Women’s World Time Trial Championships in a winning time of 22 minutes 16.23 seconds from Dutch rider Shirin van Anrooij and Britain’s Elynor Backstedt.

The early markers were set by Megan Jastrab of the USA then Leonie Bos of the Netherlands both of whom stayed within the podium positions for a considerable time, before they eventually finished in 9th and 6th place respectively.

Last year’s bronze medalist, Backstedt was last to start from the field of 50 riders, with Camilla Alessio from Italy and Gareeva expected to be the other major contenders whilst Van Anrooij was the Dutch hope, having shown excellent form as a first year Junior.

Gareeva was the fastest from the first checkpoint, where she led Backstedt by just 0.79 seconds after Backstedt had lost her back wheel on the wet corner just prior to the timing point. Gareeva continued to maintain the lead throughout although it looked like it was all in vain when she took the wrong turn prior to the finish line. But, with a calm head she turned around and was soon back on course, coming home in 22:16.23, knocking the leader at the time, Swedish champion, Wilma Olausson, off the top spot.

Gareeva seemed overwhelmed with the result but she later said that she wanted to get a result that would thank everyone for believing in her.

 

No Title

No Description

 

It was a hilly and technical circuit but I enjoyed every minute of it. I had a little wobble half-way around which lost me some seconds but thankfully I stayed on my bike. The crowds were absolutely incredible. I was the last rider down the start ramp and I could hear the fans cheering my name before I’d even started. That cheering didn’t stop then for my full ride and it certainly pushed me along. I am really happy with my bronze medal and it was an unbelievable experience.

Elynor Backstedt

Bronze Medal Winner, Team GB

I was on my absolute limit as I approached that last corner and was following the white stripes on the road instead of looking up at where I was going. It was an error on my part and I was so relieved when I was still able to win. It was a very emotional moment for me and am so proud to have my rainbow jersey.

Aigul Gareeva

Junior Women's Individual Time Trial World Champion, Team Russia

Heather Bamforth

Heather Bamforth

CyclingShorts.cc Sub-Editor

Heather has been with CyclingShorts.cc for 10 years attending and reporting on major cycling events; Tour de France, Tour de Yorkshire, World Track Championships, World Road Race Championships to name a few.

Influencer, Trustee & Founder of The Racing Chance Foundation Charity, Member of the British Cycling Road Commission, BC Regional board member and National Councillor

Heather is a highly respected member of the British Cycling community, she founded the Racing Chance Foundation, a cycling charity to help women gain experience in cycle racing and progress their cycling careers.

Anna Mgrath

Anna Mgrath

Editor & Founder

Anna Magrath founded CyclingShorts.cc in 2008 and invited some of her cycling friends; coaches, photographers, writers and pro cyclists of different disciplines to join her, bringing you all things cycling related. She has a passion for track and road cycling.

Over the years Anna has supported grass roots cycling events, riders and teams, all the way up to reporting from the top cycle races on the world calendar including; the Tour de France, Olympics, World Cups & World Championships.

Anna is a BAJ & SJA accredited journalist and has a background in Film & Television, and award winning Designer and Art Director, working for BBC, CH4, and many others.

Anna is a member of A©ID

Want to get involved? Why not get in touch.

Cycling Shorts.cc are official sponsors of The Racing Chance Foundation, Team Jadan and cyclists Amy Gornall & Fraser Martin.

Fred Bamforth

Fred Bamforth

Writer - Chair of Road Work Group British North West Region & Team Manager Racing Chance Foundation

Fred has been with CyclingShorts.cc for 5 years attending and reporting on major cycling events; Tour de France, Tour de Yorkshire, World Track Championships, World Road Race Championships to name a few.

Active member of the Northern Cycling community since the 1980's. Team manager for the Racing Chance Foundation, a cycling charity to help women gain experience in cycle racing and progress their cycling careers.

Fred is Chair of Road Work Group for British North West Region.

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics.

Chris is a member of the SJA.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

Day 1 – Mixed Relay Team Time Trial – UCI Road World Championships

by | Sep 22, 2019

FIRST-EVER TEAM TIME TRIAL MIXED RELAY GETS 2019 UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS OFF TO AN HISTORIC START

The Netherlands produced a tactical masterclass to become the first ever winners of the Team Time Trial Mixed Relay at a UCI Road World Championships.

It’s very special, something new, especially with the men as well. I think it’s something we can be very proud on. [Winning the first Rainbow Jerseys of 2019 in Yorkshire.]

Amy Pieters

Gold Medalist - Mixed Relay Team Time Trail, Team Netherlands

It’s amazing and absolutely fantastic to be crowned world champions here. The course was really hard with the rain, and it was technical too with plenty of ups and downs. I think we did a really good performance and getting to pull on the rainbow jersey was really nice.

Bauke Mollema

Gold Medalist - Mixed Relay Team Time Trial, Team Netherlands

It’s something new. I think for the spectators it’s nice to watch, especially if something goes wrong.

Jan Van Emden

Gold Medalist - Mixed Relay Team Time Trail, Team Netherlands

The new, innovative format – which sees male and female riders competing together for their nation – produced some thrilling racing on the Harrogate Circuit.

Great Britain were the fourth of 11 teams down the start ramp, with Dan Bigham, John Archibald and Yorkshire’s own Harry Tanfield setting a blistering pace before handing over to Lauren Dolan, Anna Henderson and Joscelin Lowden.

Their time of 39min 18.87sec saw them earn a lengthy spell in the leader’s hot seat, with only the final two nations who started able to better that achievement.

We knew Germany and the Netherlands were going to be super strong but we executed our plan and everybody gave everything they had. Being in the hot seat in front of the supporters was fun. I’ll be watching the rest of the races as a fan now and it’s great to be here in Yorkshire.

Harry Tanfield

Bronze medalist in the Mixed Relay Team Time Trial, Team GB

I think we paced it pretty much spot on. We had memorised the time splits, every change, every corner. I think we did everything we could have done.

Dan Bigham

Bronze Medalist - Mixed Relay Team Time Trail, Team GB

Germany were the first of those, but their riders had barely caught their breath before the Netherlands crossed the finish line with a 22.75sec winning advantage.

That result saw the Netherlands awarded the first rainbow jerseys of the 2019 Championships, with Germany claiming the silver medals and Great Britain earning their first bronzes on home turf.

We’ve really enjoyed being here [in Harrogate]. It was a great run in today, so many people. Everybody is really excited about cycling here in Harrogate. We are looking forward to the rest of the week.

[When asked about the TTT Mixed Relay Lisa went on to say she really liked it.] Some of us have had a chance already to compete at the European Championships. It’s nice for us to work together as a Nation – with the guys & women together. We can share our thoughts about the course in the Time Trial and the strategy.

Lisa Brennauer

Silver Medalist - Mixed Relay Team Time Trail, Team Germany

It’s been an unbelievable day. It was a bit damp but that didn’t stop anything; the crowds were out in force and spirits were high. The racing was brilliant as well and we were treated to a really exciting finish. I’m so pleased Britain picked up their first medal and obviously, huge congratulations go to the Netherlands as well.

It’s been a long journey to get here and I’m delighted the Championships have started. My team have done an amazing job working with the UCI to get everything ready – and of course we couldn’t have got the Championships going without the support of our local partners.

Andy Hindley

CEO, Yorkshire 2019

History was made in Yorkshire today. When we first bid to bring the Championships here, our two main goals were to see a para-cycling event organised alongside it, and for men and women to be able to compete together, and we’ve achieved them both. It was fantastic to see tens of thousands of people lining the route again, and Yorkshire is being beamed to millions of people around the world at the moment. People will see what we have to offer – our stunning routes and scenery – and that’s why we push so hard to host these global cycling events.

Peter Dodd

Commercial Director, Welcome to Yorkshire

Mixed Relay Team Time Trial Results

About the 2019 UCI Road World Championships:

The UCI Road World Championships have only been held in Great Britain on three previous occasions, the most recent of which was at Goodwood in 1982. The 2019 Championships are taking place in Yorkshire until Sunday 29 September.

The celebrations got going on Saturday 21 September when – for the very first time – a UCI-sanctioned, one-day international para-cycling event was held ahead of the Championships. The Yorkshire 2019 Para-Cycling International acted as a qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and welcomed entries from every Paralympic road racing classification.

The Championships commenced with the maiden Mixed Team Time Trial Relay and the programme continues with Individual Time Trials and Road Races for Junior (17/18 years), Under 23 and Elite male and female riders.

Approximately 1,400 riders are set to compete from 90 countries and the action will be beamed to a global TV audience of over 250 million.

​

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics for CyclingShorts.cc.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

Anna Magrath

Anna Magrath

Editor & Writer

Anna Magrath founded CyclingShorts.cc in 2008 and invited some of her cycling friends; coaches, photographers, writers and pro cyclists of different disciplines to join her, bringing you all things cycling related.

Over the years Anna has supported grass roots cycling events, riders and teams. Anna has a particular interest in Track, Road, womens cycling, recreational cycling and cycling related art. She has reported from the top cycle races on the world calendar including the Tour de France, Olympics, World Cups & World Championships.

Want to get involved? Why not get in touch.

CyclingShorts.cc are official sponsors of The Racing Chance Foundation, Team22 WRT, Team Jadan and cyclists Amy Gornall & Fraser Martin.

Women’s Tour of Scotland Stage 2 – Glasgow to Perth

by | Aug 11, 2019

Saturday 10 August, Perth – 73 Alison Jackson (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank) is the first rider to wear the Baillie Gifford Yellow Jersey as she claimed a sensational stage win at the Women’s Tour of Scotland in Perth.

With an impressive sprint in the final 200m, she capped off what was a thrilling day of racing on day two. A bunch sprint finish through the packed streets of Perth also saw 21-year-old Emma White (Rally UHC Cycling) and Stine Borgli (Norway National Team) earn a place on the podium going into the final stage in Edinburgh on Sunday.

Earlier in the stage it looked like there could be one main contender for the Baillie Gifford Leaders Jersey, with Brodie Chapman (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank) holding a 1 minute 45 second lead ahead of the peloton around the 90km mark, but she was quickly caught by the remaining riders as the race headed for an exhilarating finish.

Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Bigla) held on to the EventScotland Queen of the Mountains Jersey for a second successive stage after her team’s impressive performance on the climb, while her teammate Leah Thomas tops the Motorola Solutions Queen of Sprints competition standings.

Emma White (Rally UHC Cycling) took the Deloitte Best Young Rider Jersey for her second-placed effort.

“Myself and my team came here wanting to win. We knew we could do that by winning stages. We were ready to win yesterday’s, if it weren’t for the rain, but today we managed to achieve our goal. We really played the game. When you have your teammates all in the right place, you know you will be able to win the sprint. I’m really happy about the result, not just for myself individually, but for the whole team.”

Alison Jackson

Stage 2 Winner, Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank

“I am so pleased with my result. I was so close to the win, which makes it a little bit bittersweet because for a split second I thought, I can win this. Alison Jackson is such a powerful sprinter with so much race experience over here in Europe which is exactly what myself and my team here are trying to gain. I couldn’t be happier to finish in second. Bigla was the most powerful team out there. They had strength in numbers but I parked myself right behind them, knowing it would be a strong lead-out. With about 200m to go, I came around Leah, their sprinter, and almost imagined to hold it. I loved the finish in Perth, we were forced to take chances. It’s the best result we have had here in Europe so I’m just so happy.”

Emma White

Best Young Rider Jersey (after finishing in second), Rally UHC

Interview – Alison Jackson 2nd Stage Winner WToS 2019 by Cycling Shorts

Alison Jackson Stage 2 Winner in Perth of the Women’s Tour of Scotland 2019 talks to the media. All content ©www.cyclingshorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

The Glasgow crowds flocked in their hundreds to George Square on Saturday morning to cheer on the 87 riders as they set off for Stage 2 towards Perth.

111 Jumi Lee (Korea National Team) withdrew before the race start.

Three riders attempted to go clear on 17km but the peloton reacted quickly to keep the main field together going into the first sprint of the stage in Aberfoyle.

37.8km Aberfoyle sprint (Motorola Solutions Queen of the Sprints Jersey competition):

1. (5pts) 2 Neah Evans (Scotland)

2. (3pts) 44 Annelies Dom (Lotto-Soudal)

3. (2pts) 82 Chiara Consonni (Valcar Cylance Cycling)

4. (1pts) 73 Alison Jackson (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank)

45km Duke’s Pass (EventScotland Queen of the Mountains Jersey competition):

1. (8pts) 21 Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Bigla)

2. (6pts) 23 Elise Chabbey (Bigla)

3. (4pts) 36 Joscelin Lowden (DROPS)

4. (2pts) 26 Leah Thomas (Bigla)

5. (1pt) 122 Vita Heine (Norway National Team)

“The finish was so close, but I am thrilled with my position. The last few kilometres were very hectic. My teammate tried to attack, but she couldn’t make it through. In the end, we are very happy with our positioning.”

Stine Borgli

Finished 3rd - Stage 2, Norway National Team

The gruelling 4km-long Duke’s Pass ascent caused the peloton to splinter into several groups, eight riders broke off at the front with 23 Elise Chabbey, 24 Nikola Noskova, 25 Mikayla Harvey and 26 Leah Thomas of Bigla all amongst the pack alongside 36 Joscelin Lowden (DROPS), 64 Krista Doebel-Hickok (Rally UHC), 71 Brodie Chapman (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank) and 121 Stine Borgli (Norway National Team).

At 50km, the leading group had a 15 second advantage ahead of the next rider, 122 Vita Heine (Norway National Team) and 1m 5 secs ahead of the peloton, before Heine caught up with the leaders

Five kilometres further into the Trossachs trail, the nine leaders had taken a 1 minute 15 secs lead over chaser 94 Ursa Pintar (BTC City Ljubljana) who was quickly caught by the peloton.

At 70km, the leading group were 1minute and 29 secs ahead of the peloton as they approached the Strathyre sprint – won by Leah Thomas, allowing her to wear the Motorola Solutions Queen of the Sprints Jersey for day three.

71.4km Strathyresprint (Motorola Solutions Queen of the Sprints Jersey competition):

1. (5pts) 26 Leah Thomas (Bigla)

2. (3pts) 121 Stine Borgli (Norway National Team)

3. (2pts) 64 Krista Doebel-Hickok (Rally UHC Cycling)

4. (1pts) 23 Elise Chabbey (Bigla)

“Winning the sprints jersey wasn’t really in my plans today, it just turned out that way on the road. I was fortunate enough to pick up a couple of points yesterday just by maintaining position and following moves. We were really aggressive with four of us in the leading pack after the Queen of the Mountains and we really wanted to push a break. We knew it was a long shot to hold it 100km to the finish because we don’t have a real sprinter here. My team did an awesome lead-out for me going into the finish and it’s a shame we didn’t manage to get on the podium but I’m delighted we have hold of the sprints and mountain jerseys.”

Leah Thomas

Motorola Queen of the Sprints Jersey after Stage 2, Team Bigla

With the hills behind them, the peloton were able to catch the main group on the flat roads towards Perth, 71 Brodie Chapman (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank) being the only rider to hold her lead as she rode alone 34 seconds in front of the main group with 43km left to go.

Ten kilometres later and Chapman had extended her lone advantage to 1 minute 45 secs, the Baillie Gifford Leaders jersey in sight for the Australian rider. It was this effort which saw her end the day with the most combative rider award.

110.4km Crieffsprint (Motorola Solutions Queen of the Sprints Jersey competition):

1. (5pts) 71 Brodie Chapman (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank)

2. (3pts) 91 Eugenia Bujak (BTC City Ljubljana)

3. (2pts) 13 Ahreum Na (Ale Cipollini)

4. (1pts) 73 Alison Jackson (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank)

The peloton pushed on and the final stretch of the race made for an incredible chase as Brodie Chapman’s lead was cut from 1 minute 45 seconds to just 9 seconds with 10km left to ride.

As the riders approached Perth, Chapman was caught by the peloton and the final 3km into the city centre turned into a bunch sprint, with Chapman’s Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank teammate Alison Jackson edging over the finish line, with Emma White (Rally UHC) and Stine Borgli (Norway National Team) close behind in second and third.

 “Going over the top of Duke’s Pass first was amazing, but I have such a strong team. They did amazingly well today – they’re so strong. We tried some bold tactics and they worked pretty well! We did so well in the climb and we decided to go for the sprint as well. We did really well considering we don’t have an exceptional sprinter here. We can be so proud for how we raced as a team today. We will have huge smiles on our faces tonight.”

Cecilie Ludwig Uttrup

EventScotland Queen of the Mountains Jersey after Stage 2, Team Bigla

Stage 1 Results

Stage 2 Glasgow to Perth – stage result:

1. 73 Alison Jackson (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank) 03h 24m 27s

2. 61 Emma White (Rally UHC Cycling) +4s

3. 121 Stine Borgli (Norway National Team) +4s

Baillie Gifford Leaders Jersey (General Classification) standings: 

1. 73 Alison Jackson (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank)

2. 61 Emma White (Rally UHC Cycling)

3. 121 Stine Borgli (Norway National Team) +4s

Jerseys

Baillie Gifford Leaders Jersey: overall race leader: 73 Alison Jackson (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank)

Motorola Solutions Queen of Sprints Jersey: 26 Leah Thomas (Bigla)

EventScotland Queen of the Mountains Jersey: mountain classification leader – 21 Cecilie Ludwig Uttrup (Bigla)

Deloitte Best Young Rider Jersey: 61 Emma White (Rally UHC Cycling)

All images ©CyclingShorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics for CyclingShorts.cc.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

Anna Magrath

Anna Magrath

Editor & Writer

Anna Magrath founded CyclingShorts.cc in 2008 and invited some of her cycling friends; coaches, photographers, writers and pro cyclists of different disciplines to join her, bringing you all things cycling related.

Over the years Anna has supported grass roots cycling events, riders and teams. Anna has a particular interest in Track, Road, womens cycling, recreational cycling and cycling related art. She has reported from the top cycle races on the world calendar including the Tour de France, Olympics, World Cups & World Championships.

Want to get involved? Why not get in touch.

CyclingShorts.cc are official sponsors of The Racing Chance Foundation, Team22 WRT, Team Jadan and cyclists Amy Gornall & Fraser Martin.

Women’s Tour of Scotland Stage 1 from Dundee to Dunfermline

by | Aug 9, 2019

Friday 9 August, Dunfermline – Stage 1 of the Women’s Tour of Scotland was abandoned with 40km to go due to adverse weather conditions.

The riders had completed 63km of the first stage of the inaugural race, including two sprints and one climb, before race organisers made the decision to abandon the stage at the feed zone in Leslie due to large sections of standing water on the roads.

Despite the stage being cut short, the Event Scotland Queen of the Mountains and Motorola Solutions Queen of the Sprints classification leaders were still awarded, with Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Bigla) and Eugenia Bujak (BTC City Ljubljana) taking the respective jerseys.

“Due to extreme weather conditions, we have taken the unfortunate decision together with Police Scotland and other relevant authorities to abandon today’s stage of the Women’s Tour of Scotland.

“Conditions have proven impossible due to heavy sections of standing water on the roads. Rider safety is paramount and conditions were no longer safe to continue. 

“The winners of today’s Event Scotland Queen of the Mountains and Motorola Solutions Sprints classifications were presented in Dunfermline, however the rest of the teams have returned to their accommodation. 

“We still plan to commence the start of Stage 2 in Glasgow tomorrow.”

Spokesperson

Women’s Tour of Scotland

The 88 riders starting today’s race lined up for a minute’s silence for Lotto Soudal’s Bjorg Lambrecht – the Belgian cyclist who died following his crash at the Tour de France – before rolling out from Dundee’s Slessor Gardens for the first stretch of the inaugural race.

45 Thi That Nguyen (Lotto Soudal Ladies) of Vietnam withdrew before the race start.

With the Stage 1 route seeing plenty of heavy rain prior to the start, the riders set off at an expected gentle pace, sticking together for the first 30km with Rally UHC and Lotto-Soudal controlling the peloton from the front.

As the peloton approached the first sprint, some riders made an early statement for the Motorola Solutions Queen of the Sprints jersey in front of the Cupar high street crowds.

It was the first climb of the stage that caused the first split with 35 riders going clear, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Bigla) taking the eight points in the Queen of the Mountains jersey competition.

By the time the riders reached the summit, the peloton had come back together to race in what proved to be the final sprint of the route before the stage was abandoned.

 

Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig – Stg1 QoM – Women’s Tour of Scotland by Cycling Shorts

Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig takes control of the Stage 1 Queen of the Mountains Jersey in the Women’s Tour of Scotland 2019. The Bigla rider talks to the media after her triumph. All content ©www.CyclingShorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

Stage 1 Results

20km Cupar sprint (Motorola Solutions Queen of the Sprints Jersey competition):

1. (5pts) 12 Marjolein Van’t Geloof (Ale Cipollini)

2. (3pts) 26 Leah Thomas (Bigla)

3. (2pts) 41 Dani Christmas (Lotto-Soudal)

4. (1pts) 31 Abby-Mae Parkinson (Drops)

45km Grange of Lindores climb (Event Scotland Queen of the Mountains Jersey competition):

1. (8pts) 21 Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Bigla)

2. (6pts) 23 Elise Chabbey (Bigla)

3. (4pts) 26 Leah Thomas (Bigla)

54.9km Falkland sprint (Motorola Solutions Queen of the Sprints Jersey competition):

1. (5pts) 91 Eugenia Bujak (BTC City Ljubljana)

2. (3pts) 25 Mikayla Harvey (Bigla)

3. (2pts) 82 Chiara Consonni (Valcar Cylance Cycling)

4. (1pts) 31 26 Leah Thomas (Bigla)

“It’s such a pity that the race had to be abandoned, but safety must always come first. 

“We were really excited about the second climb and finishing the stage in front of the crowds in Dunfermline. We worked really well as a team today and I think we would have had a great finish. That makes me proud and keeps me excited for tomorrow. 

“There’s still two more days to go so we are keeping our fingers crossed.”

Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig

Queen of the Mountains Jersey holder after Stage 1, Team Bigla

“We were all excited for the beautiful finish in the city of Dunfermline but it was a good decision to abandon the race.

“There was so much water on the road so we have to put our safety first. I usually enjoy racing in the wet and cold weather but today was just too much.

“We wanted to fight for more as a team, but despite how things turned out, I am still happy to come away with the sprint jersey.”

Eugenia Bajuk

Motorola Solutions Queen of the Sprints Jersey after Stage 1, BTC City Ljubljana

All images ©CyclingShorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics for CyclingShorts.cc.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

Anna Magrath

Anna Magrath

Editor & Writer

Anna Magrath founded CyclingShorts.cc in 2008 and invited some of her cycling friends; coaches, photographers, writers and pro cyclists of different disciplines to join her, bringing you all things cycling related.

Over the years Anna has supported grass roots cycling events, riders and teams. Anna has a particular interest in Track, Road, womens cycling, recreational cycling and cycling related art. She has reported from the top cycle races on the world calendar including the Tour de France, Olympics, World Cups & World Championships.

Want to get involved? Why not get in touch.

CyclingShorts.cc are official sponsors of The Racing Chance Foundation, Team22 WRT, Team Jadan and cyclists Amy Gornall & Fraser Martin.

Lizzie Deignan wins 2019 OVO Energy Women’s Tour

by | Jun 15, 2019

Great Britain’s Lizzie Deignan became the first rider to win two OVO Energy Women’s Tour titles as she sealed the 2019 crown at Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire, on Saturday.

The Trek Segafredo rider, who only returned to racing in late April following maternity leave, finished eighth in a reduced bunch sprint to pip Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon//SRAM Racing) to the overall crown by two seconds – the smallest winning margin in race history.

Dutch rider Amy Pieters (Boels Dolmans) claimed the final stage, beating Leah Kirchmann (Team Sunweb) and Roxane Fournier (Movistar Team) to the line. Pieters placed third overall, 23 seconds behind Deignan, while her team-mate Christine Majerus finished fifth to cap a successful week for the Dutch team.

Interview – Lizzie Deignan 2019 OVO Women’s Tour Winner by Cycling Shorts

Lizzie Deignan talks after winning the 2019 OVO Energy Women’s Tour. ©All content CyclingShorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

 

 

“It means a huge amount. I think the last time I came here I was probably one of the favourites to win the race – this time I wasn’t a favourite, so it was a different experience. It was totally a team experience.

“I won through just grit and determination. I’m away from my daughter for a reason. I’m here to do a job and I’ve got a fantastic team around me. I don’t want to let them down.

“It’s a huge honour. I’m just delighted, lost for words really. The perspective you gain from having a year out of the sport is amazing. My attitude is just about enjoying it, I’ve never had that attitude before and it’s really paying dividends. I’m in the best team in the world I feel like from a support perspective and just the women around me just lift me up.”

Lizzie Deignan

2019 OVO Energy Women's Tour Winner, Team Trek Segafredo

Deignan crossed the line in eighth position in the 33-rider front group to take victory, having doubled her overnight one-second lead thanks to a mid-race time bonus from the Eisberg Sprint at Penygroes.  As well as the OVO Energy Green jersey the Trek Segafredo rider takes the Breast Cancer Care Points jersey through her consistent finishing across the six stages, and the HSBC UK British Cycling Best British Rider jersey.

The stage win for Pieters was her third in OVO Energy Women’s Tour history, being added to previous victories in Stratford-upon-Avon (2016) and Stoke-on-Trent (2017).  With Majerus and double stage victor Jolien D’hoore providing the perfect lead-out, the Dutchwoman was delighted with the win.

“The plan was to try to win the stage,” said Pieters. “I think we had a good plan and a good week with the whole team, so I think we need to be happy with this.

“The girls did a really strong lead-out for me and I’m happy that I could finish it off. I felt really good today and I’m happy with that because it was a really hard week and I’m happy that the last day I was still good.”

Amy Pieters

Stage 6 Winner, Boels Dolmans

Defending OVO Energy Women’s Tour champion Coryn Rivera (Team Sunweb) took the Eisberg Sprints jersey for a second year, getting into a group of 11 riders that broke away early on the Carmarthenshire route to seal the jersey at the first intermediate Eisberg sprint.

The final classification jersey went to Warwickshire summit finish winner Niewiadoma, who withstood the challenge of Majerus for a one-point advantage in the SKODA Queen of the Mountains jersey, while the aggressive riding of Sarah Roy (Mitchelton Scott) was rewarded with the Wahooligan Combativity Award.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, Carmarthenshire County Council Executive Board Member for Culture Sport and Tourism, said: “The OVO Energy Women’s Tour has been a resounding success, and has been the perfect showcase of our best landscape and cycling facilities.

“As a local authority, we are proud of our significant investment in facilities and infrastructure to support the growing cycling enthusiasm that we’re working so hard to build. Today’s race started at the historic Carmarthen Velodrome, the oldest in the world, and ended at our purpose-built National Closed Road Circuit at Pembrey Country Park.

“We are particularly proud of Manon Lloyd [Drops], who is from Carmarthenshire and who started her cycling career with Towy Riders in Carmarthen. It must have been a fantastic feeling for her to compete with the best in the world on home soil and I hope she felt the strength of the crowd behind her.”

Once more the OVO Energy Women’s Tour will offer prize money parity with the men’s Tour of Britain, thanks to award winning independent energy supplier OVO Energy, the title sponsors for a third edition of the race.

Highlights of Stage Six will be shown on ITV4 at 20:00 on Saturday15 June with a repeat at 06:10 on Sunday 16 June on the same channel.  Programmes will be available on demand via the ITV Hub catch up service and via Eurosport in the UK and around the world.

Stage 6 - overall Tour Results

All images ©CyclingShorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics for CyclingShorts.cc.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

Anna Magrath

Anna Magrath

Editor & Writer

Anna Magrath founded CyclingShorts.cc in 2008 and invited some of her cycling friends; coaches, photographers, writers and pro cyclists of different disciplines to join her, bringing you all things cycling related.

Over the years Anna has supported grass roots cycling events, riders and teams. Anna has a particular interest in Track, Road, womens cycling, recreational cycling and cycling related art. She has reported from the top cycle races on the world calendar including the Tour de France, Olympics, World Cups & World Championships.

Want to get involved? Why not get in touch.

CyclingShorts.cc are official sponsors of The Racing Chance Foundation, Team22 WRT, Team Jadan and cyclists Amy Gornall & Fraser Martin.

Subscribe for 10% Discount!

Join our mailing list to receive the latest cycling news and updates from our team. Receive 10% off your first order placed in our online shop!

You have Successfully Subscribed!