Holgrem sisters take gold and silver on World Championship Cyclocross women's junior race

Isabella Holmgren is the new junior women's world champion. The Canadian rode solo to victory, leaving behind her twin sister Ava Holmgren. France's Célia Gery took bronze. For Dutch top favorite Lauren Molengraaf, the race ended in disappointment due to a flat tire. Belgium's Xaydee Van Sinaey finished fifth.

On the first lap, Molengraaf immediately took the lead, causing the field to quickly stretch out. Entering the second lap, some small differences had already emerged. The Dutch kept up the pressure and seemed to be riding away until she slipped and fell. As a result, the front of the race slid together creating a leading group of six with Molengraaf, Van Sinaey, Canadian sisters Ava and Isabella Holmgren, Italian Federica Venturelli and Gery.

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The Canadian sisters then stepped up the pace and put Molengraaf and co under a lot of pressure. On the uphill passage, however, the Dutch rider let her legs do the talking and seemed to overtake both sisters. However, a drama unfolded for Molengraaf because just when she seemed to be unleashed she got a flat rear tire, causing her to drop out of the lead of the race. When she finally got a new bike, her gap was already fifty seconds.

Meanwhile, Isabella Holmgren was riding alone at the front with her sister Ava just behind. At the start, Isabella Holmgren had extended her sister's lead to twelve seconds. Gery and Venturelli seemed to be fighting it out for the bronze behind. Isabella's position was no longer threatened and she rode solo to the world title. Ava finished second at twenty seconds. Gery won the sprint for third place. Van Sinaey finished fifth and a disappointed Molengraaf finished seventh.

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