"I actually threw up a few times. It was a very, very tough course" - Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig gives absolutely everything and is rewarded with World Championships bronze

For the first time in her career, Denmark's Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig has managed to get onto the podium in the women's elite World Championships road race. Although, obviously she would have hoped for more, third and a bronze is nevertheless a brilliant result.

"This is really cool. It's just great to get a medal. I rode with everything I had. I am proud,” said the 27-year-old in an emotional post-race interview with TV2 Sport, revealing a detail that makes the result even more incredible on such a brutal day of racing. "I actually threw up a few times. It was a very, very tough course. With a few laps to go my energy was gone, but we kept riding."

Lotte Kopecky was the eventual winner and Ludwig, who was for a while at least, the only rider to be able to match the Belgian, looked set to for a guaranteed silver despite the fact Kopecky was romping to the solo win. Right at the line however, Demi Vollering came from behind and snatched second in a photo finish, forcing the Dane to settle for bronze.

“I really gave everything I had. I saw her coming from behind, but my eyes were sour,” she says. "It sucks to be overtaken at the end. But I'm still proud of my race, because I rode with everything I had, and that's how it should be."