22 year old Anna Badegruber was able to fend off her closest rivals to take the U23 Austrian road race title on Sunday and place 10th in the elite race. It was a long, hot day in the saddle, as the riders tackled one big loop around Mondsee, 140km in length with 1600metres of climbing.
A home race for Badegruber who only lives a few km’s away had all her friends and family cheering, after the title win the young Austrian said:
“It was a really hot day spent in the saddle for 140km. The whole bunch stayed together until about the last 25km. The final selection was made in the last uphill part. Sadly I couldn’t go with the first group and started to struggle with the heat. I stayed in a group with 7 riders. There was one other U23 rider still with me in the group. With about 500 meters to go I attacked and opened the sprint for my group, in the sprint I got 3rd and that’s how I could win the U23 title. I am so happy about it, and really proud I could pull on this magnificent jersey.”
Sarah Rijkes, the defending champion for the elite title finished in 5th place, 1’37” behind the winner after a courageous title defence ride.
