Edoardo Affini Voices Concerns Ahead of World Championship Time Trial: “The descent is too dangerous”

As the cycling world prepares for the highly anticipated World Championships Time Trial this Sunday, not all riders are thrilled with the course. Italy’s Edoardo Affini, fresh off his victory at the European Time Trial Championships, has expressed concerns about the safety of the 46.1km route in Zurich.

The Visma Lease a Bike rider was candid about the challenges awaiting him. "It's a tough course, which is obviously different from Hasselt,” Affini shared with IDL Pro Cycling, referring to his recent success at the European Championships. “But I'm at the start after spending three days at home in Drenthe, so anything is possible. I'm not a favourite, but I'll do my best and we'll see how it goes."

The route, which takes riders from Zurich to Monchaltorf and back, features over 400 meters of elevation gain. While the climbs aren't overly taxing, the course’s difficulty lies in its technical aspects, particularly the descent to Lake Zurich.

"The middle part of the course is the hardest,” Affini explained. “You have to use your energy there, but you also can't go too fast.”

However, his biggest concern is with the descent. "In my opinion, the descent to the lake is too dangerous. The asphalt isn't good, and I think it should be possible to take another route. There are so many beautiful roads in Switzerland, but well, this is the course we have to deal with. You shouldn't take too many risks because you won't win or lose the time trial there."

As the defending champion, Remco Evenepoel will look to hold onto his crown, while Affini, despite his reservations, remains focused on delivering a strong performance. The course’s layout, with its long stretches and technical sections, promises a high-speed contest where precision will be just as crucial as power.

The women's time trial, taking place earlier on the same day, will see Chloe Dygert defend her title over a shorter, 29.9km route. With scenic views of Lake Zurich, both races are expected to showcase the world's top time trialists, though, as Affini warns, safety will be just as important as speed.