Consolation for Lippert - German cycling women without World Championship success
Unbekannt
· 25.09.2021
"It was surprising that Liane wasn't feeling well. She was actually in great shape and is a very strong racer," said mixed world champion Lisa Brennauer, who finished ninth as the best German in the surprising gold medal coup by Elisa Balsamo from Italy.
The 33-year-old Brennauer encouraged her team-mate in the extremely crowded finish area: "It's not in your hands. Liane is a bit ill. Let's hope she gets over it quickly. She still has so many world championships ahead of her." Lippert herself disappeared from the interview zone without commenting on her physical condition and the missed opportunity on the 157.7 kilometres from Antwerp to Leuven. Last year, she had finished fifth in the world championship race.
Balsamo "completely spachlos"
Meanwhile, the new world champion Balsamo savoured her triumph in the late summer sunshine in front of tens of thousands of spectators. Wearing a rainbow jersey and mask, she stood on the podium and listened to the Italian anthem. "I'm completely speechless, it's unbelievable. It was an absolute dream come true for me after such a long and exhausting season," said the 23-year-old. "In the end, two really big names fought for the win. The Italians will be celebrating today," added Brennauer.
The Dutchwoman Marianne Vos, who took silver, symbolised the failed gold medal attempt of the dominant Dutchwomen, who were defeated in the women's road race for the first time since 2016. Surprisingly, Katarzyna Niewiadoma from Poland took bronze in the final sprint. Top riders such as Annemiek van Vleuten and defending champion Anna van der Breggen, who stepped in as a helper this time, came away empty-handed.
Brennauer said: "I personally had a good day, but unfortunately not everyone on our team did." The overall result is a rather sobering one for the German Cycling Federation (BDR), as the ninth-placed rider also summarised. "I don't think that ninth place is what we wanted and what we were able to achieve." In the end, however, she simply lacked the strength. The title fights in Flanders end on Sunday (from 10.20 am/Eurosport) with the 267.7 kilometre long men's road race. Nils Politt will start there as captain of the German team.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:210925-99-356970/5
