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Aussies deliver the action at the World Champs |
Durbridge and Hepburn provided two of Australia's three medals today ©Graham Watson
Sep 20th, 11. A road sweeper wiping out the finish line hours before the start did not dampen the opening day of the UCI Road World Championships where Australians provided the most action.
The Aussies earned both the rainbow jerseys on offer thanks to Jessica Allen in the women's U19 time trial event and Luke Durbridge in the U23 men's time trial event.
The nation earned another medal too, Michael Hepburn won the bronze medal in the men's event despite hitting the road during the race.
The 2011 UCI Road World Championships got a kick start in scenic and sunny Copenhagen where around 30,000 spectators gathered along the flat but technical course.
They were given something extra special to cheer about when Dane Rasmus Quaade rode himself into the silver medal.
"We have been planning these championships for more than five years now, and it exceeds all our expectations. It is really a treat to cycling to stage the championships in the heart of Copenhagen," said Jesper Worre, Race Director.
"After a hectic morning we can now say that the organisation of the race is running smoothly to the benefit of athletes, officials, spectators and the citizens of Copenhagen."
The first world champion to be crowned was Allen who said the technical aspect of the course suited her.
Hepburn picks up his bike after hitting the deck ©Graham Watson
"I got the time check halfway through the course and knowing that I was ahead really lifted me. Next year I will be moving up to the senior ranks and I can't wait for that!" she said.
Durbridge earned the second rainbow jersey later in the day.
His main rival was expected to be his teammate Hepburn, but that rider's misfortune saw his chances diminish after he wobbled on one corner and crashed off his bike on another. "A little bit of wind caught my front wheel and it skipped a bit," said Hepburn who sustained numerous cuts and grazes. "You don't plan for these things to happen but sometimes they do and it definitely shakes you up a bit."
It took him around 20sec to get back up and racing on a spare bike but it took more time to regain his rhythm and race speed.
Incredibly, he was able to recover well enough to earn the bronze medal, while Durbridge stormed home for the gold.
"I was calm all the time, as I had my coach in the radio telling me that I was ahead on all the time checks so I just had to bring it home and keep pushing," said Durbridge.
"I took the last lap a bit safer in the corners just to be sure that I made it home and kept pushing all the way to the line.
"It's a fantastic feeling, a great course, this is really huge in my short career. I had decided to concentrate on this time trial and to be here in the best form and it all worked out.
"I was lying in my room just a few hours ago and watched Jessica Allen take the Gold and she is from the same town as me, so it was very special and motivated me to go and get my medal.
"Hats off to Quaade, he did a great ride for silver in front of his home crowd."
The two Kiwis in action today both earned 6th place.
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UCI World Road Championships