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25th International Thuringen Rundfahrt der Frauen

WCN quicklink >> Prologue   Prologue Full   Stage 1   Stage 1 full   Stage 2   Stage 2 Full   Stage 3   Stage 3 Full

                                 Stage 4    Stage 4 Full    Stage 5    Stage 5 Full    Stage 6     Stage 6 Full

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Prologue - Kupfernagel wins opening prologue

Zwickau, 3.3km ITT

Race Writeup

Hanka Kupfernagel (RusVelo) completed the 3.3km course in an incredible 4 minutes 51 second. Clare Hughes the current Canadian time trial champion (Specialised Lululemon) was 2 seconds back and the current World Time Trial champion, Judith Arndt (Orica-AIS) was third, at 3 seconds. 

Conditions were blustery for the opening prologue of the 25th edition of the Thuringen Rundfahrt der Frauen. The lashing rain of the previous days moved away to brisk and cool winds.

The last major event before the London Olympics, started with 20 teams competing at this years event. All eyes were on the form of the individual time trial specialist who had qualified for their respective countries. Although the prologue was short, technical and not a true representation of form for an Olympic distance race. It did provide an insight into who is in form in the individual discipline and the week of racing ahead.. 

Kupfernagel one of the older competitors in the race, started 49th and quickly set the fastest time to the top of the short climb and powered down the other side to place herself in first. Hughes, the oldest rider in the event at 39, was second fastest up the climb and despite a huge effort down the hill, she could not close the gap on the former German champion.

World time trial champion Arndt, has not had a time trial win this season since becoming champion in 2011. Arndt was slower up the climb and could not cover the gap on the decent. 

The best young rider was Thalita de Jong (Rabo Women). The 19 year old was one of a handful of riders who went under 5 minutes. She finished just 8 seconds behind Kupfernagel. 

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Comments 

To come

Results - Top 10 - click here to see full result

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General Classification Top 10 - click here to see full GC

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Photos   Click on any image to enlarge >>

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