Switzerland was announced this Wednesday in Wollongong world champion in the mixed time trial relayin a trial marked by Holland’s setbacks and the spectacular fall of Annemiek van Vleuten.
Comprised of Nicole Koller, Marlen Reusser, Elise Chabbey, Stefan Bissegger, Stefan Küng and Mauro Schmid, the Swiss team prevailed ahead of Italy and Australia who replaced Germany.
This is the third time the event has been held at the World Championships, and was marked by the incredible fall of Annemiek van Vleutenthe women’s cycling star who won all three Grand Tours this year.
The Olympic time trial champion fell to the ground a few meters from the start, apparently due to a mechanical problem on his bike, hitting the pavement hard. Bruised and scratched, he struggled to his feet, helped by a member of his team.
It is a big blow for the Dutch team and especially for Van Vleuten, who is one of the favorites for Saturday’s road race, but needs to heal his injuries first.
The Dutch team has already been penalized for Bauke Mollema’s chain jump in the first lapwhich completes the men’s trio before the women’s relay.
Unable to put the chain back on, he had to change bikes and leave his two teammates, Daan Hoole and Mathieu van der Poel, to finish the job alone.
final standings
1. Switzerland 33:04″
2. Italy in 2″
3. Australia at 38″
4. Germany at 45″
5. Netherlands at 51″
6. Denmark at 58″
7. France at 58″
8. Belgium at 1:49″
9. Poland at 1:51″
10. Spain at 2:43″
Source: La Verdad
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
