“I didn’t expect it, it’s incredible” - New European champion is the daughter of former world champion and Tour of Flanders winner

Cycling
Azzurra Ballan, en declaraciones tras lograr el oro europeo
Azzurra Ballan delivered one of the day’s biggest upsets by winning the Junior Women’s European Championship road race. A race shaped by tough conditions and the accumulated wear of the course. The Italian read the race astutely and chose the right moment to play her cards, sealing a victory she did not expect when she signed on.
Italy’s representative had to adapt to an unfavourable scenario, with conditions that disrupted a normal race rhythm. Rather than wait for a last‑metre sprint, Ballan attacked early to take her chance before the main favourites could lock it down.
Perhaps it's a family affair for the Italian, who is the daughter of former world champion and Tour of Flanders winner Alessandro Ballan. The Lampre and BMC great enjoyed a stellar career with highlights such as a Vuelta stage win on top of his 2008 rainbow jersey.
Her strategy paid off. The Italian stayed in contention all the way to the line and seized her moment, capping a performance that rewards both her bravery and the work done with the Italian team. The win is also important recognition for a rider who capitalised on an especially demanding day.
Ballan crossed the line visibly emotional and did not hide her surprise at the result. The victory came after a day in which she took risks, contributed to the collective effort, and trusted her chances to the end. That blend turned her into one of the race’s protagonists.

“I didn’t expect it”

“I’m very happy, it’s incredible. I want to thank the team, the Italian team. It was an incredible day. I didn’t expect it, because the conditions weren’t the best,” said Ballan after sealing the win.
The Italian admitted she decided to make a move earlier than planned to try to change the course of the race. “I tried to anticipate and in the end I got away,” she noted of the moment she sought to surprise the rest. Her gamble was not improvised, but born of the conviction there was a real chance to fight for the win.
“I knew I could go for the victory, so I did my share of the work and made it to the end,” Ballan added. Her words reflect the confidence she carried into the decisive kilometres and the importance of her contribution in keeping the winning option alive.

Attacking gamble rewarded

The result rewards an attacking bet on a difficult day. Ballan did not wait for a conventional finale and exploited the circumstances to open a gap that proved decisive.
Her triumph gains extra weight for the surprise it even held for the winner herself, who admitted she did not expect such an outcome.
With this ride, Azzurra Ballan puts her name among the day’s standout performers and shows that in races shaped by weather, course, and fatigue, the ability to anticipate can be decisive. The Italian found her opening and did not let it slip.
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