Ganna criticises the World Championship course but can't fault his own performance: 'Not World Championship-worthy'

The Italian had a somewhat tougher first half of the race, but then got his bike going. In the end, he finished in just under 46 minutes with an average speed of over 51 kilometers per hour, which was still 57 seconds slower than Evenepoel.

Ganna was still by a wide margin the second-best, as he finished 16 seconds ahead of bronze medalist Paul Seixas.

"I don't think the course was ideal. In my opinion, this course might not have been World Championship-worthy, but in the end, it was the same for everyone. A slightly different course might have been more fun for everyone, but the route was the same for everyone. So yes, we just had to make do with the course that was set up."

Anyone who watched on TV probably noticed that the road surface wasn't quite smooth in some places, but on the Formula 1 track, the asphalt was truly perfect. That made for a really great drive. Here in the city, it was sometimes a little less than ideal, but as I said: it was the same for everyone, and we’re doing the best we can.'

"I think I did everything right myself. My power output was very high compared to the predictions, and my time was faster than the team's calculations. I think I posted my best 45-minute power output ever."

Maybe it was the equipment, my riding position, or maybe I just wasn't on the same level as him today. But anyway, I gave it my all in this race. Like I said: I have no regrets when I look back at my own performance and what I accomplished on the road today.'

"I tried to ride as fast as possible right from the start. In the first section, people on the sidelines might have thought I was riding a little more slowly, but I was pedaling at exactly the power output I needed."

"I have absolutely nothing negative to say about my performance. I'm very proud of myself and grateful for the support from the team that continued to cheer me on. I'm happy with what I was able to show."

"The season isn't even over yet! When I get home, I'll first race in Italy, and after that, the Track World Championships in Shanghai are still on the schedule. It really is a very long season, but my biggest goal for the whole year is my vacation in the Maldives!"

"That's my main goal for the end of the year. As soon as I cross the finish line in my last race, I'll finally be able to say that the season is over."