Longo Borghini suffered from Tendinitis and fell just short at the World Championships in Montreal
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Follow us on GoogleFor a moment, it looked as though Elisa Longo Borghini would take home the world title on Saturday in Montreal. The Italian made her move at what seemed like the perfect moment, but ultimately saw Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma pass her. The sharp-witted Longo Borghini gave her take on the race at the press conference.
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Longo Borghini attacked on the home stretch in the penultimate lap, giving herself a nice lead heading into the climb up Mont Royal. However, she hit a wall on the climb, which ultimately cost her that little bit extra as she approached the finish. Despite that, she still managed a solid third-place finish.
Elisa, what does this bronze medal mean to you?
"I'm very happy with my race, because today I was trying to win. I had nothing else on my mind except winning the race and winning the rainbow jersey."
I really believed in it as I rode off, but in the end I got cramps in my left leg because I have tendinitis in my right leg. On the climb, I figured it was better to hold back a little, because otherwise they might have had to pick me up off the road here in Montreal next year.
Then Demi and Kasia passed me, and I couldn’t really get into their slipstream, so from that point on, it was a chase. I kept believing that I’d be able to catch up at some point, but five seconds was just too much, to be honest. Then I also had to defend my position because Marlen was making a very strong comeback. But this is definitely a bronze medal that means a lot to me.'
Can you take us back to the moment when Demi and Puck Pieterse went all out with three laps to go?
"To be honest, it was tough on my legs. But I also think she was convinced she’d make it to the finish line on her own, and she was a little surprised when we caught up with her again. I’d say Kasia and I were really strong today; we were determined to catch up with her, and we did just that.”
I have a lot of respect for what Demi has done. She has shown that she is the rightful world champion, and she will wear the rainbow jersey. She will be a great world champion.
Read more below the photo!
Longo Borghini Finishes Third in Montreal.
When you and Kasia came back and joined Demi, I saw you shouting something at Kasia. What were you saying to each other?
"I said it was now or never. It turned out to be never." (laughs)
Can you tell us a little about your decision to launch that attack in the final lap? I know you had already expended a lot of energy in the chase and that it was a big risk. Did you think this was your only chance?
"If you don't take risks, you won't win races. You have to take risks; otherwise, you'll never know. It's better to try and lose than to end up a loser by staying passive."
Read more below the photo!
Women don’t get many opportunities to race in North America; the GP de Montréal is one of the few races that’s exclusively for men. How did it feel to race on another continent and in front of a different audience, and would you like to see more North American cycling races?
"That's a good question, thank you very much. I'd really love to see more races in North America. I've raced in the Philadelphia Classic in the past, and I was happy to see that race return this year."
The cheering in North America is always really cool, I have to say. It’s different from Europe; you guys here are more exuberant, passionate, and loud.Even to an Italian, that might sound strange, but you guys are really loud, and it’s amazing to see so many people along the road with so much passion. Today I could really feel that energy, and I hope there will be a Women’s GP de Montréal someday, too.
After the time trial, you were absolutely thrilled. How did you prepare for this road race, and how do you look back on it now, so soon after the race?
"After the time trial, I had a day to recover, and then I competed in the Mixed Relay, which we won. After that, I stayed completely focused on the road race, tried to recover as best I could, and took care of my knee, because it was still hurting a little. But my determination hadn’t faded, and I hope I showed that, too."
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Tom van der Salm (27) comes from the charming town of Zeilberg (Deurne) in the Netherlands and has been working as editor-in-chief & journalist at IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, In de Leiderstrui, since 2019. He travels with the peloton from the Tour de France to the AlUla Tour and from the World Championships in Rwanda or Canada to the Zilvermeercross in Mol. In his spare time he enjoys playing football, mountain biking, running, walking with his Labrador/Stabyhoun, investing, holidays, (specialty) beers, reading, cooking and watching sports & documentaries!
Contact: [email protected]
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