The first edition of Granfondo Svendborg in Denmark started Saturday 8 June with UCI Gran Fondo World Championship Time Trial qualifying on a 23km out-and-back lollipop route, followed on Sunday by a 157km gran fondo and 77km medio fondo.
255 riders registered to participate in the time trial, but only 200 rolled down the start-house ramp onto wet roads with 40 km/h wind, light rain and a cool 12C temperature.
37 year-old Norweigan time trial specialist Vidar Mehl (Raufoss og Gjøvik SK) recorded the fastest time, finishing in 30:17 with an average speed of 47.53 km/h in the M35-39 category. Taking just a few more seconds was Marcin Korbowy (30:23) of Poland in the M19-34 field. Next was local Danish rider Simon Jul Raben, also M35-39, at 30:44.
For the women it was an all Danish podium, with former national road race silver medalist Trine Andersen (CeramicSpeed Herning CK Elite) claiming top honors in 34:06 for the W35-39 category. Frederikke Asfeldt (34:36) in the W19-34 field was next, followed by W35-39 competitor Bianca Christiansen (35:11).
1300 riders participated in the road race events on Sunday, with 45-49 year-old men sweeping the overall podium. 47 year-old Dave Bruylandts, former pro racer banned for using EPO, finished the 157km gran fondo in 3:44:31, followed by Jan Tonnesen (3:44:34) and Jone Ellingsen (3:45:19).
Pro cyclist Femke Melis (KDM – Pack Cycling Team), who is married to Dave Bruylandts, was the fastest women in the gran fondo, finishing in 3:52:18 within the W40-44 category. Camilla Pedersen (3:52:22 W40-44) and Wies De Jong (3:55:25 W35-39) completed the overall podium.
Torleif Roberg (1:55:07 M60-64) and Melina Olsen (1:55:30 W50-54) were the fastest riders in the 77km medio fondo.
Participants finishing in the top 25% of their age/gender category at the time trial or road race fondos qualify to participate in the UCI Gran world championships taking place later this year in Aalborg, Denmark.
Photo Credit: Facebook/UCIgranfondosvendborg – Lars Kirk
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