World Cycling Championships 2022: Van Vleuten takes gold

Results women’s road race 2022 Worlds
1. Annemiek van Vleuten (nld)
2. Lotte Kopecky (bel) + 0.01
3. Silvia Persico (ita) s.t.
4. Liane Lippert (ger) s.t.
5. Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (den) s.t.
6. Arlenis Sierra (cub) s.t.
7. Juliette Labous (fra) s.t.
8. Kasia Niewiadoma (pol) s.t.
9. Elise Chabbey (swi) s.t.
10. Elisa Longo Borghini (ita) s.t.

Race report
Gladys Verhulst is the first attacker. She opens up a gap of almost 2 minute before she is caught in the descent of Mount Keira. Then Caroline Andersson, Elynor Backstedt and Julie van de Velde give it a go. The three return to Wollonging with a 1.30 minutes lead to enter the circuit.

Andersson has been dropped when Elena Cecchini rejoins the other two with 57 kilometres remaining. Moments later the peloton is bunched again.

Kasia Niewiadoma attacks with 26 kilometres remaining. Several riders bridge across. Then Liane Lippert gives it a go with Elisa Longo Borghini in her wheel. Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, Kasia Niewiadoma and Ashleigh Moolman bridge across later. The five cross the line for the last lap 25 seconds ahead of the chase group. Elles van Dijk shuts down the gap before Mount Pleasant.

Then Marlen Reusser strikes to enter the climb with a 16 seconds lead. Liane Lippert, Kasia Niewiadoma, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, Ashleigh Moolman and Elisa Longo Borghini overhaul her and plunge down together.

A chase group with Lotte Kopecky and Annemiek van Vleuten bridge across inside the last kilometre. The Dutchwomen strikes on a short uphill stretch and she powers on to keep the sprinters behind her. Thus claiming the rainbow jersey with a broken elbow.

Lotte Kopecky outsprints Silvia Persico to take silver.

Another interesting read: route road race 2022 World Cycling Championships.

World Cycling Championships 2022 Wollongong, Australia: routes & profiles

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profile

route

Mount Pleasant

interactive map

Mount Keira circuit

Wollongong circuit