Rachele Barbieri and Silvia Zanardi, heart-pounding gold and special dedication

Victory dedicated to injured Letizia Paternoster

Rachele Barbieri and Silvia Zanardi won a stunning gold medal at the European Cycling Championships, in the women’s madison, on the track in Munich. For the former it is the second gold in the event after the omnium, for Zanardi it is the first gold after silver in the points race.

The two Italian women won the top continental laurel at the last gasp, overtaking the Frencesi after the final sprint of the long race also known as the “American” race. At the end of the race, the success was also dedicated to Letizia Paternoster, initially selected for the race and forced to forfeit by a bad fall. “We want to thank Letizia because she cheered for us,” said Rachele Barbieri at the end of the race. “She was really nice, we hope she will recover soon after her collarbone operation.

“It was a suffered race until the last – added Silvia Zanardi – I was not so ready but I gave more than 100 percent knowing that I had to replace Letizia.”