Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

HTC-Columbia women ride to top placings at World Championships TT

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Parent Category: Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

Category: News 2010

Published on Wednesday, 29 September 2010 19:33

Written by Luca Salvatelli

HTC-Columbia women's team riders took two of the top three spots in the World Championships Time Trial in Australia on Wednesday, as well as placing four riders in the top nine.

Judith Arndt claimed the third silver medal of her career for Germany on the challenging 22.9 kilometre course in Geelong, 15 seconds behind winner Emma Pooley of Great Britain. It is the fifth time in 13 years that the ever-consistent Arndt has taken a podium placing in the Women's Time Trial.

Meanwhile, HTC-Columbia team-mate Linda Villumsen of New Zealand claimed bronze for the second year running. Villumsen crossed the line a mere seven tenths of a second slower than Arndt, but with an ample 22 second advantage on fourth placed Amber Neben of the USA.

Arndt and Villumsen were closest to victory but several other HTC-Columbia riders turned in very strong rides for their countries. Riding in her first year as a professional, USA rider Evelyn Stevens powered to sixth place as well as briefly leading the event, whilst Emilia Fahlin of Sweden took ninth and Italy's Noemi Cantele finished twelfth.

Following an impressive all round performance by the women, HTC-Columbia will once again be strongly represented in the men's individual time trial on Thursday, with seven of its riders set to roll down the start ramp for the 45.8 kilometre course.

Three time Champion Michael Rogers is one top favourite, taking part for Australia, whilst 2008 winner Bert Grabsch and 2009 bronze medallist Tony Martin are two other key contenders, racing for Germany.

The four other HTC-Columbia riders participating are 2010 Tour of Spain podium finisher Peter Velits and twin brother Martin for Slovakia, Tejay Van Garderen for the USA and Kanstantin Siutsou for Bylorussia.