Racing her first individual time trial (ITT) of the year, Hannah Ludwig isn’t feeling the pressure of defending her title at this week’s European road championships. Hannah will race in the U23 category at the championships to be held in Plouay, France, a race which she won by a lengthy margin in 2019.

“It will be my first TT of the year, but I’ve done quite a few training rides with the same approach and routine as if it was a race. It’s exciting to be back racing and I feel grateful for the chance to do it,” said Hannah.

“For every TT I only have one goal; to do a perfect ride and be the best I can be. I would never really say that I feel pressure from anyone or as the defending champ. In time trials it’s mostly my own expectation of how I want to ride and the pressure is always more or less the same. I know part of the course from last year. It’s sharp and not easy but I’m looking forward to the race.”

Lisa Klein is one of four CANYON//SRAM Racing riders who will contest the elite women’s ITT race on Monday 24 August, and has penned this race as a season target.

“I put a lot of effort in and I kept my focus on TT training these last months. I also planned my altitude camp towards the Europeans. I am excited, it is my first big highlight of the road season this year,” said Lisa.

“Unfortunately I was sick in April which meant I had to have some time off, and I had a crash last week also and bruised my tailbone. But I was able to race quite well in La Perigord on the weekend and help my teammates as I needed to. Maybe I’m not in the very best physically, but I’m getting better day by day and mentally I’m 100%. I’m motivated to give my best and ready to fight.”

The ITT course is 24.5km long and Lisa has ridden it several times.

“I did already two effort sessions on the course and I really like it. It is like a rollercoaster and that’s also mentally a great motivation.

I’m grateful that I’ve been able to be here for a few days in advance and I’m grateful to my team for its support of that.
The course is quite technical and I tested a few different set ups. The downhills are fast and furious. In the beginning there is no point to find a rhythm, but I know the course, I’m prepared and I’ll have our Performance Coach, Lars Teutenberg, giving me pacing advice.”

And Lisa’s goal?

“I am aiming for a medal. Well, I’m aiming for the most shiny medal. I really have to see what my body can handle. Mentally I’m ready, and I’m motivated.”

Ten of our riders will represent their Federations at the European road championships:

Alena Amialiusik – ITT and Road Race for Belarus

Alice Barnes – Road Race for Great Britain

Hannah Barnes – Road Race for Great Britain

Elena Cecchini – Road Race and Team Relay for Italy

Rotem Gafinovitz – ITT and Road Race for Israel

Lisa Klein – ITT, Road Race and Team Relay for Germany

Hannah Ludwig – U23 ITT and U23 Road Race for Germany

Kasia Niewiadoma – Road Race for Poland

Christa Riffel – U23 Road Race for Germany

Omer Shapira – ITT and Road Race for Israel

Live broadcast details of the races can be found here.

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