Toms Skujiņš delivered one other sturdy efficiency within the males’s street race on the UCI Highway World Championships in Kigali the place he completed fifth, for his third prime 10 lead to three years, after claiming fourth final 12 months in Zurich and eighth in Glasgow the prior 12 months.
The 34-year-old Latvian rider knew that it might be a tough race, relishing the problem as he focused a podium end. And brutal it was, as solely 30 riders out of 165 starters completed the race. Everybody anticipated defending champion Tadej Pogačar to launch his transfer on Mount Kigali, and the Slovenian delivered, powering away to say one other solo victory.
“World Championships are at all times particular, however this 12 months was further. Additional onerous and additional brutal, however fortunately had the very best squad by my facet. Latvian biking undoubtedly hitting above it is weight and that makes me proud!” Skujiņš shared on social media.
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“fifth is the very best I might have accomplished immediately, so I’ll take it. Undoubtedly gonna keep in mind this 12 months.”
Skujiņš discovered himself in chase teams, which fashioned and splintered till three riders had been capable of draw back to battle it out for the remaining two spots on the rostrum. Finally, he crossed the road 6:41 behind the winner for fifth place, six seconds forward of a gaggle with Giulio Ciccone (Italy), Isaac Del Toro (Mexico) and Juan Ayuso (Spain).
“It was a triathlon in the long run, I feel all people completed by themselves, however clearly it was going to be onerous very onerous race. I did not see a lot however clearly Tadej was on a stage, however not many have the legs to observe him, and he simply confirmed that he is the very best on the earth but once more,” he informed media, together with CyclingProNet, within the blended zone.
“For myself, as soon as I used to be within the group the place I used to be, I attempted to do the very best I can, however all of the medals are gone sadly.”
When requested to touch upon the truth that the highest 10 within the race had been all climbers, Skujiņš quipped, “I feel I am the world champion 70+ class, 70 kilos plus, so I am going to take that.”
In keeping with their respective commerce groups, Pogačar (UAE Staff Emirates) weighs 66kg, whereas silver medallist Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quickstep) is 63kg, and sixth-placed Del Toro and seventh-placed Ayuso (each UAE Staff Emirates) are 64kg and 65kg, respectively.
After the gruelling 267.5km race of attrition, when requested if he was emotional, Skujiņš replied: “I am simply drained, however it was an excellent race anyway.”
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