Italy on the podium with Federica Venturelli

Federica Venturelli bronze

Federica Venturelli took the bronze medal in the opening time trial of this day’s World Chrono Championships at Stirling Castle. The 18-year-old from Cremona finished her race with a time of 20’00″81, 29″30 behind the winner, Australia’s Wilson Haffeden Felicity. Silver for Britain’s Isabel Sharp. “Tough race, especially the final part,” she commented in the press room, “I know Isabel well, with whom I happen to compare myself numerous times, while the Australian was a surprise. I was definitely aiming for the podium, and even a bronze is a very good result. I would not have forgiven myself to finish fourth again, as it happened in the road race.”

Federica just this year finished the scientific high school, with the highest grade, and now she looks at the future: “As for cycling there are the world track championships in Colombia, where I have to defend the world title won last year just against Isabel. As for studies, I have yet to decide, probably pharmaceutical address.”

Chrono coach Marco Velo: “The day could not have started better. After Milesi’s gold yesterday comes this important bronze medal because Federica deserved something more even in the time trial. We continue to gather satisfaction and this is a good sign.”

Alice Toniolli finished 18th at 1’31″08: “Happy with 18th place. Tough race with a professional finish. Maybe, if I really have to recriminate something, in hindsight it was better to have a less hard report. Useful experience for the future. Racing abroad in the national team jersey is always a great thrill.”