The U23 Women’s Road Race at the UCI Road World Championships took place today in Montreal, with a demanding 134-kilometre course that produced a highly selective race.
Slovakia’s Viktória Chladoňová claimed the rainbow jersey after breaking clear with home rider Isabella Holmgren, who took the silver medal. Belgium’s Fleur Moors completed the podium, winning the sprint from the first chasing group 33 seconds behind the leading duo.
Six riders from UAE Team L’IMAD and UAE Development Team lined up at the start, racing in the colours of their respective national teams: Febe Jooris (Belgium), Giada Silo (Italy), Magdalena Leis (Germany), Celia Torres (Spain), Milana Ushakova (Ukraine) and Abigail Miller (Great Britain).
Giada Silo was the team’s best finisher, crossing the line in 37th place after a challenging day marked by crashes, fatigue and mechanical issues. Both Silo and Jooris were also called upon to stop and hand over their bikes to their respective team leaders during the race.
Despite the difficulties, the six riders leave Montreal with valuable experience from competing on one of cycling’s biggest stages, having had the opportunity to represent their countries and UAE Team L’IMAD and UAE Development Team at the World Championships.
(ph. Getty Sport)
