“I did not come here for a fourth place" - Disappointed Alec Segaert misses out on podium in U23 ITT at 2024 World Championships

Belgium's Alec Segaert entered the under 23 individual time trial as a heavy pre-race favourite. Sadly, the recent European Championships winner couldn't match that feat in Zurich, eventually fading badly to finish off the podium completely in 4th.

“I am disappointed, definitely,” Segaert admitted afterwards to VTM NIEUWS. “I did not come here for a fourth place. But that was all there was to it. On the climb everything went perfectly, but there was no recovery on the descent. When I reached the flat after the last intermediate point, I quickly felt that I was no longer reaching my wattages."

"What followed was a long road of suffering towards the finish," continues the Belgian, having eventually crossed the line 54 seconds slower than the new Rainbow Jersey Ivan Romeo. "Yes, this is definitely hitting hard. This was a big goal, right from the start of the season. I did everything I could to have a top day here. But that was not the case.”

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World Championship under-23 men's time trial results: