Welcome to Scotland for the first race of the World Championships. 38 km of flatt-ish time-trialing are on the menu today, and Italy, France and Denmark are deemed the favorites.
Teams 1 to 8 – Chrono 1
Norway are first to go. They already lost Knotten and Lunke in the bumps, and might be dropping Sleen also. Their time is 21’08.
It’s hard to recognize Greece here, but they ride well together. They lose 12 seconds so far.
The Netherlands put Van Baarle and Arensman in the first part. They’re tied with Norway in the first place.
Canada are further down: +0’51.
Spain are 18 seconds off and already lost Benito.
The latter might even get caught by the Italians, who take the lead on fractions.
That’s before the Americans come to take back their crown. The have the new best time: 21’01.
It’s harder for Germany, who are 22 seconds back.
Teams 9 to 16 – Chrono 1
Colombia are 2nd to last for now.
There’s no big hope today for Belgium. They’ll rely on the road race. They’re 10 seconds faster than Colombia.
Australia finishes the first part in the middle of the pack.
Poland seems not cohesive enugh to play for the win. They’re 23 seconds off the pace.
Lithuania already only has 5 riders at half race, and is 1’02 late on the Americans.
It’ll be a long day for the Czech, who forgot what a TTT is. They’re already 1’24 behind.
The Brit’s are on home soil! Though it’s not that much of an advantage, as for now they’re 11th, 33 seconds back.
Switzerland finishes the batch, +0’20.
16 teams have finished with the first time check!
Teams 17 to 24 – Chrono 1
Denmark is another team on the favorite list, but they already dropped three riders. Maybe a nice strategy, as they’re the 3rd best time, 7 seconds off.
Not the same vibe for the Thailand, who comes at half stage with a new worst time: +1’40.
We have a new best time! Though they’re only 5 left, Russia makes it to 1st at half race: 20’57.
Green helmets, but that’s not Ireland! South Africa are quite disorganized and 54’’ off.
What are Zmorka and Karnulin doing? Ukraine lets its leader go and is 1’54 back.
The French have a hard time living up they’re favorites status. Maybe because we’re in Britain and the food is no good. Still, they’re 20 late.
Those are the real green men! Though Ireland is only 10 seconds faster than South Africa, which isn’t really good.
Hong Kong are probably quite happy to be here, more than for a result. They’re 2’03 off.
Here are the standings with all team passed at half race.
Teams 1 to 8 – Finish
Norway were the first to begin and are the firsts to finish. 42’08 is the first best time of the day.
Greece isn’t bad, but still 20 seconds off.
The Netherlands can’t beat Norway easier, with a time of 42’12.
Canada catches the last Dutch riders, but are still quite far: 1’02 late is the worst time so far. Spain is 20 seconds off.
There’s somebody new on the hot seat! And it’s Italy, for a mere second.
That is, before the Americans finish for the day: 42’03 is 4 second better.
Germany finishes quite anonymously, so let’s have a look at the current standings.
Teams 9 to 16 – Finish
Colombia finishes 50 seconds off the pace ; it’s 35 seconds for Belgium. Australia weren’t terrible, they don’t have the greatest finishes : +0’23.
Poland is temporary 9th, 34 seconds late on the US. Lithuania takes the last place for now, until Czechia arrives, 2’32 off the pace. They’re even nearling caught by Great Britain, though the locals don’t have the best time either: +29’’ is good for temporary 8th.
Switzerland finishes virtual 8th, and we can have a look at the standings.
Teams 17 to 24 – Finish
Denmark was 11 seconds behind the Americans at the chrono. They’re temporary 4th and won’t get a podium today.
The Russians prove they’re here to win, as they catch Thailand. But in the end, they lose 2 seconds on the USA and miss on the hot seat: 2’05. Thailand loses 2’35.
South Africa does a bit better: 1’30.
Ukraine tries to ride the 2nd part together to finish not last: +2’28, it’s 19th for now.
Will France be able to take back 20 seconds in the 2nd part? No, they only get 6, which is good enough for 7th.
Ireland finishes at +0’48, while the valiant riders from Hong Kong finish last, at +5’24.
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