27/09/2024

Germany's Niklas Behrens takes surprise victory in men's U23 World Championships road race! Svrcek and Segaert complete podium

Germany's Niklas Behrens is the new men's under 23 road race world champion after emerging on top from a high quality field on Friday afternoon in Zurich. Completing the final podium, Slovakia's Martin Svrcek and Belgium's Alec Segaert.

In a frantic and unrelenting start to the race, rider after rider attempted to go on the attack early on. Although no real breakaway formed, a number of riders found themselves in difficulty and out the back of the peloton as a result of the consistently high pace. Among those out of the running, USA's INEOS Grenadiers prodigy, 'AJ' Andrew August.

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At 50km to go, it was the Swiss team setting a fierce pace on the front, reeling back any attacks that went away. Then, on the penultimate ascent of the Witikon, UAE Team Emirates prodigy Jan Christen launched a brutal attack, riding clear solo. Leading the chase behind, was Italy's Giulio Pellizzari. Having been stuck somewhat in no man's land though, the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe bound prospect dropped back to the main chase group at 30km to go, around 50 seconds behind the lone leader.

On the final climb of the day, Belgium's Jarno Wider launched a big counter from the chase bringing compatriot Alec Segaert, Slovakia's Martin Svrcek, Mexico's Isaac del Toro and GB's Joseph Blackmore alongside him, immediately taking back 10-15 seconds on Christen. At 20km to go though, the Swiss leader still had an advantage of around 40 seconds from the chase.

At just over 10km left, the catch of Christen was finally made as Svrcek and Germany's Niklas Behrens bridged across. After the latter immediately attacked again though, Christen couldn't soon dropped away. As those 2 powered away, victory and the Rainbow Jersey quickly became a two-horse race.

In a sprint for the line, Behrens opened things up and Svrcek was left helpless, giving the German the world title. Notably, Alec Segaert secured the third spot on the podium.