TAGAYTAY – The first day of competition of the 7th World University Cycling Championship saw the first medals be distributed for the women’s and men’s criteria. On a very selective course set in the Canyon Woods Resort in Tagaytay, Philippines, the German and Polish delegations showed their consistency but the medals ended up spread over three continents.
In the women’s race, the competition quickly turned to a solo demonstration of Romy Kasper (GER), the well-known German cyclist, second of the women’s tour of Qatar earlier this year, showed her power to win the race with not less than 3 minutes difference over her direct competitors, the two Polish cyclists, i.e. Nikol Plosaj who took the silver medal and Monika Brzena who claimed the bronze. The criterium was disputed over a distance of 40 kilometers with 4 sprints awarding points to their respective winners. Romy Kasper finished the race with 23 points ahead of respectively Nikol Plosaj and Monika Brzezna (POL) and Shoko Kashiki (JPN).
Women’s Medal Podium
In the men’s race, the local athlete Boots Ryan Cayubit (PHI) won the criterium by one point (19) ahead of Alexander Weifenbach (GER – 18 pts) and the Australian surprise, Cyrus Monk. Despite crossing the finish line first, Weifenbach could not offer the German delegation a second gold medal for the day. This allowed the local fans to show their pride to the local winner, launching this Championship on the best way for the organizer.
Men’s Medal Podium
Tomorrow, the road race will allow the athletes to express their talent on the tricky and hilly roads of Tagaytay for both the men’s and women’s road race where Germany, Poland and the Philippines are also reckoned to be among the favorites.
(Source: J. Buhajezuk, WUC Dept.)
RESULTS
