The week of national championships have been run and won. Whilst there were several medallists for CANYON//SRAM Racing Trixi Worrack was the only rider who successfully gained a title. Worrack won the German individual time trial on Friday, ahead of teammate Lisa Brennauer.

Brennauer then took another silver medal in the road race the following day, finishing second in a tight photo finish to Lisa Klein (CBT). “Each lap riders were getting dropped and our final lead group of 12 riders formed over the 2.2km climb. I was alone in the final so I had to ride really smart, and was ready for the sprint but it wasn’t easy against Cervelo Bigla who had three riders and the rest of the group. It was a very close sprint,” said Brennauer.

In Italy, defending road race champion Elena Cecchini sadly said goodbye to her three-year reign of the tricolore jersey. “It was a bad day for me personally, the course suited Elisa Longo Borghini (who went on to take the title) and our army team didn’t play a good game along the road. In the end I could not follow the best girls on the climb. On a positive side, time in the CANYON//SRAM colours will be very stimulating for me,” said Cecchini who will now look forward to the Giro Rosa stage race.

On the Isle of Man, Hannah Barnes took a bronze medal behind solo winner Lizzie Deignan in the British national championships, after already claiming silver in the time trial on Thursday.”It was a hard road race. At the end there were three of us going for the win. Lizzie attacked with 2km to go and at that moment I couldn’t respond. I’m disappointed to lose the jersey for the team and already I want it back, but I can be happy with my form,” said Barnes.

And in the final national road race in Knoxville, Alexis Ryan finished just off the podium in fourth place in the USA national championships. “The race played out differently than I expected. An early break had all major teams represented and I was getting a little nervous that my chances were completely dashed. I was feeling strong and stayed top five positions every time over the climb and could see that everyone was losing energy.”

“The gap was brought down by one team that missed the break and by Leah (Thorvilson) working for me. I’m so grateful for her help. When the break came back and Amber Neben (who went on win the title) attacked I wasn’t in a position to follow. The chase behind was late to start and when we had an 11-rider move that formed on the climb there was one team not willing to contribute. You can’t give any time to Amber and she made a smart move. In the sprint final I was third from the group, so fourth overall. Of course I wanted to win or podium but I’m happy with how my legs felt! Form is finally coming around!” said Ryan.

The team now will start the longest stage race for women, the ten-day Giro Rosa, on Friday 30 June with a seven rider line up. 

Images: Mario Stiehl, British Cycling, Piemonte Tricolore

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