Portugal Colonial - Reusser ends long chase for gold with women's world title

Although she had won a couple of team golds, the Swiss woman had endured a series of individual near misses in major championships, collecting world silvers in 2020 and 2021 and bronze in 2022 as well as silver in the 2020 Olympics.

"I can hardly believe it, I've tried so many times and it never worked out. And now I've finally done it. It's very special. I'm so happy for myself and everyone who has supported me over the years," said Reusser.

A day after her 34th birthday, she claimed the first world championship cycling medal in Africa, completing the 31.2 kilometre course in 43 minutes 9 seconds. She beat Anna van der Breggen by 52 seconds with a her Dutch compatriot Demi Vollering another 13 seconds back.

Reusser, a qualified doctor, dominated the race on a course with several steep climbs, including the cobbled Kimihurura hill, which proved torturous for the less experienced riders.

Reusser, who joined the Movistar team last winter, crowned an impressive season with her title. She won the Tours of Burgos and Switzerland and finished second in the Giro d'Italia despite being ill at the end.

In a festive atmosphere, Rwanda's Xaverine Nirere was the first of 44 competitors to start the race from inside the BK Arena, an ultra-modern sports and concert hall with a capacity of 10,000 people.

She finished 27th, almost seven minutes behind Reusser.

The men's time trial will take place on Sunday afternoon, with Belgium's Remco Evenepoel, the two-time defending champion, and Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar as the big favourites.

E.Borba--PC