The Women’s Elite semi-finals went as they have for years and years, with Germany’s Nina Reichenbach, UCI World Champion in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, qualifying in first place with 690 points.
However, Spain’s Vera Baron would not let Reichenbach have a chance to relax in the final: the silver medallist from the event in Chengdu, China in 2019, when she was part of the UCI World Urban Championships, qualified just 40 points behind with 650 points. France’s Manon Basseville qualified third with 540 points.
SPECTACULAR VICTORY FOR BARON
With the home crowd fully supporting the 17-year-old Baron, the final was very exciting. It was reminiscent of the Salzburg leg of the UCI World Cup in 2019, when a 15-year-old Baron stunned everyone by collecting 270 points out of a possible 300 to take gold. On that day, Reichenbach had to settle for second place. And the German had to settle for a rare second place again, as Baron’s 50-point fourth race gave her the lead, with 220 points to Reichenbach’s 190. Reaching the finish line, Baron took an emotional victory by 270 points to Reichenbach’s 250. Basseville won bronze. “I feel amazing, I can’t believe it,” Baron said after hugging his brother and waving to the home fans. “It’s been an amazing atmosphere; I could hear everyone screaming. I’m very happy.”Tears of joy for the UCI Trials Elite Women Champion, @verabaron_trial
— UCI Trials (@UCI_Trials) September 5, 2021
What an achievement! And a special moment to win here in Spain 🇪🇸 #Vic2021 pic.twitter.com/m1P9Y2f2M0
