U23 World Cup winner Leonie Bentveld doesn't see herself as top favorite: "I expect a tactical race"

Leonie Bentveld is not stressed out about upcoming World Championships. Why should she be? The just 19-year-old has already won the U23 World Cup after all. As the regulatity classification winner, it is logical that Bentveld is seen as favorite for the race, however she is quite relaxed about the expectations of the public.

"I can remain reasonably calm before such a race. I don't think I'm the biggest top favorite either. I think it's mainly about watching Zoe Bäckstedt, Marie Schreiber and Kristyna Zemanová. I wouldn't put myself as a top favorite. So then I can start that week fairly relaxed," she told WielerFlits.

"I have always done well on the Tábor course. In the juniors, that was also the lap where I could follow Zoe for the longest time. So it suits me. I expect a tactical race that will be decided on the upward stretches. It is a fun and fast round. Normally, I can walk well on the beams, jumping is another story. I'm working on it in training, but I don't do that yet during the competition."