The 2013 UCI Road World Championships got underway on Sunday with the elite men’s and women’s team time trials in which riders competed as members of their professional teams.
In the elite women’s team time trial, Evelyn Stevens (Dennis, Mass.) and Carmen Small (Durango, Colo.) helped their U.S.-based Specialized-Lululemon team claim their second consecutive gold medal as they blazed through the 42.79-kilometer course with an average speed of 50.165km.
“Now we have a double rainbow, it’s amazing,” said Stevens. “It’s a special way to end the season with the team.”
Their teammates included Lisa Brennauer (GER), Katie Colclough (GBR), Eleonora Van Dijk (NED) and Trixi Worrack (GER). Their winning time was 51.10.69. Rabo Women Cycling Team (NED) placed second, 1:11.09 off the pace, while Orica-AIS (AUS) took the bronze medal with a time 1:33.83 behind Specialized-Lululemon.
The 2013 UCI Road World Championships continue on Monday with the individual time trials for the juniors women and the U23 men.
2013 UCI Road World Championships
Toscana, Italy
Sept. 22-29
Women’s Team Time Trial (42.79km)
1. Specialized-Lululemon (USA) 51:10.69
2. Rabo Women Cycling Team (NED) +1:11.09
3. Orica-Ais (AUS) +1:33.83
Men’s Team Time Trial (57.20km)
1. Omega Pharma-QuickStep (BEL) 1:04:16.81
2. Orica GreenEDGE (AUS) +0.81
3. Sky ProCycling (GBR) +22.55
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.