"It was already too late" - Silvia Persico admits van Vleuten's final attack came as a shock and nothing could be done

Silvia Persico entered the World Championships as a favourite for the World Championships in the women's Elite Road Race after a strong season that included several wins, including the recent Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta.

In the hilly circuit it was a good opportunity, and as the two main groups united towards the finale, Persico suddenly found herself in the position to win the race. She had a strong sprint, which she used to ride into third place and a bronze medal. It could've been more however, but she explained:

“I don't even know what happened. I only saw her in the last 500 meters, but by then it was already too late," she said of the attack by Annemiek van Vleuten. When the Dutch rider attacked there was no response, and the response from both Persico and Kopecky was not of provide each other an advantage, but both ended up fighting for second place as a medium-sized group behind failed to see anyone react.

Persico has had a very strong season, but will aim higher in 2023, he warns: "I am happy for Van Vleuten, but next year I hope to knock her off the throne."