Location: Barcelona, the world-famous Spanish metropolis, hosted the 2022 UCI World Championships. Between the Plaça d'Espanya and the majestic Montjuïc National Palace, the battle for the mythical rainbow stripes was decided on a short but spectacular urban layout, characterized by some renewed artificial obstacles and the already iconic descent of the stairs.
The two reigning UCI world champions did not miss the start: Gaia Tormena and Simon Gegenheimer both won the qualifying time trials. But then there were some surprises, especially in the men's field.
In the decisive women's race, Tormena had to fight against a French couple, but it worked well: the 20-year-old Italian dominated the whole race, managing to keep Coline Clauzure (2d) and Noemie Garnier (4th) at bay and taking the third UCI world title in his still very young career.
In the men's category, the season could not have ended better: a good old duel between two eliminator icons, Gegenheimer and Titouan Perrin-Ganier. It was Perrin-Ganier who came out of the starting pits in the best possible way, keeping the lead until the finish line, thus winning the fifth UCI world title of his rich career. In the battle for bronze, Ricky Morales managed to beat incoming Austrian talent Theo Hauser.
9th place for Emanuele Huez.
Immediately after the finish line she burst into a shout of joy embraced by the coach Mirko Celestino and by all the staff of the National Team. ”I had been waiting for this match for a long time, since last year when Barcelona saw his candidacy rewarded. I prepared the best and the route suited me. I am happy with this 3rd title. It took and now another year awaits me with the rainbow jersey. What an emotion".
Statements of GAIA TORMENA
The Aosta Valley reveals some of her emotions experienced above all in the phase approaching the big event: “The most difficult part to manage was that relating to the approach to the World Championship. I felt a lot of pressure which made me nervous. The arrival here in Barcelona calmed me and then the races developed in serenity, it didn't even seem to me to be engaged in the fight for the title. I was completely focused ”.
The opponents: “I was afraid of the French, but I had to manage the situation”. On today's track that has also put the males in difficulty: “I have always loved this circuit where you have to know how to push, the speeds are high and the breaks are lurking. The obstacles were very complicated, with a very physical part, but I can manage in this situation. ”A dedication:“ To all those who helped me, in all roles, and to the national team ”.
MEN'S RANKING
- Titouan Perrin-Ganier (FRA)
- Simon Gegenheimer (GER)
- Ricky Morales (PUR)
- Theo Hauser (AUT)
- Jeroen van Eck (NLD)
FEMALE RANKING
- Gaia Tormena (ITA)
- Coline Clausure (FRA)
- Ella Holmesgard (SWE)
- Noemie Garnier (FRA)
- Isaure Medde (FRA)
