Alejandro has his first world title
The 38-year-old won a thrilling finale of the elite men’s road race in Innsbruck after besting his rivals in a four-up sprint at the line. Valverde managed to conquer the 28% gradients of Hottinger Holl and withstand the attacks from Romain Bardet, Michael Woods and Tom Dumoulin. He then led out the final sprint and none of the aforementioned riders was able to match his power.
1. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) 6:46:41
2. Romain Bardet (FRA)
3. Michael Woods (CAN)
4. Tom Dumoulin (NED)
5. Gianni Moscon (ITAL) + 13 seconds
6. Roman Kreuziger (CZE) + 43 seconds
7. Michael Valgren (DEN)
8. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA)
9. Thibaut Pinot (FRA)
10. Rui Costa (POR)
Van der Breggen soloes to victory
The Olympic champion broke away from the leading group with 39 km to go and rode hard to the finish line in Innsbruck all by herself. Amanda Spratt was the last one to be dropped by the Dutch pro and took a solo ride of her own to claim the silver medal. The bronze was won by Tatiana Guderzo. The 2009 world champ was in the original leading group and beat all her rivals.
1. Anna van der Breggen (NED) 4:11:04
2. Amanda Spratt (AUS) + 3:42
3. Tatiana Guderzo (ITA) + 5:26
4. Emilia Fahliin (SWE) + 6:13
5. Małgorzata Jasinska (POL)
6. Karol-Ann Canuel (CAN) + 6:17
7. Annemiek van Vleuten (NED) + 7:05
8. Amy Pieters (NED)
9. Lucinda Brand (NED) + 7:17
10. Ruth Winder (USA)
