Hinze asked her team-mate and friend to climb to the top of the podium to perform the German anthem together. But this was only partially successful. "I asked her if she wanted to sing the anthem with me. But I only sang half of it and then the tears came," said 24-year-old Hinze, describing the scenes after a thrilling German duel for World Championship gold, which the defending champion won. Friedrich was also wiping tears from his eyes.
"Sometimes difficult"
"It's definitely hard when we're happy together one day and then we're racing against each other. That's sometimes difficult, but I think we'll manage to love each other again - and not hate each other because one won and one lost," said Hinze.
Two days after the joint team sprint gold at the start, she won this time, which Friedrich recognised without envy. "I'm happy, she deserved it. The way she raced, she's almost unbeatable. That's really strong." Hinze, who had to deal with a lot of pressure and media expectations at the Olympics in Tokyo, seems liberated these days.
Strong BDR haul in Roubaix
For the German Cycling Federation (BDR) team, these were the fifth and sixth world championship medals in Roubaix. National coach Detlef Uibel, who is leaving at the end of the year, was also delighted. "This is madness. That was historic, an amazing result. The girls have focussed again. Now you could see what potential they have," said the 62-year-old.
There are further chances for gold in northern France this weekend, for example in the 500 metre time trial (defending champion Friedrich) and the keirin (defending champion Hinze). "I didn't think beforehand that I would win these disciplines again. I felt a bit tired. It feels really nice and is a bit unbelievable," said Hinze. For Friedrich, who had been ill in bed for a week before the World Championships, silver ahead of the strong Canadians was also a success. "I'm mega happy," she said.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:211022-99-702517/3
