The third day of the Road European Championships currently underway in Drôme-Ardèche provided the first thrills of the Road races, all of which started and finished in Guilherand-Granges.
The programme began with the Women's U23 race (85.7 km), which was lively from the very first kilometres. After about 20 kilometres, Linda Riedmann (Germany) and Solène Muller (France) attempted an attack. The German then continued alone, managing to build up a lead of up to a minute and a half over the peloton on the climb to Saint-Romain-de-Lerps.
However, her lead was reduced in the final stages and, on the last climb to Val d'Enfer, Italy's Francesca Blasi made the decisive move to win the race solo. Behind her, Eleonora Ciabocco took a valuable silver medal, confirming the excellent form of the Italian team.
The second event of the day was the Junior Women's race (62.9 km), which confirmed Paula Ostiz's extraordinary form. The Spaniard, who had already won the European Time Trial two days ago and the world Road race last week in Kigali, completed a prestigious hat-trick by also winning the Road race. Switzerland's Anja Grossmann took the silver medal, while Italy's Chantal Pegolo finished third, just three seconds behind, to claim a highly valuable bronze.
The race, which saw no major breakaways, was marked by a gradual selection process that reduced the leading group to around 20 riders before the final sprint, which was won by Ostiz.
The day ended with the Junior Men's race (103.4 km), characterised by numerous attacks and counter-attacks in the final circuit. The outcome was decided by Karl Herzog's tremendous comeback, who managed to turn the race around in the final kilometres: the German made up for lost time with an impressive surge, catching up with and distancing his opponent, Roberto Capello (Italy) to cross the finish line alone.
There was also a fine performance from Italy's Roberto Capello, who was a key player in the final lap and finished second, while the bronze medal went to Ireland's David Gaffney, who put in a solid performance and was rewarded with a place on the podium.
The UEC Road European Championships will continue tomorrow, Saturday 4 October, with two eagerly awaited events: the Men's U23 Road race (121.1 km, starting and finishing in Guilherand-Granges) and the Women's Elite race (116.1 km, from Privas to Guilherand-Granges).
