Fugger delivers Austria’s first gold
In the first medal event of Sunday, Heimo Fugger showed his strength in style. In the elimination race, he rode himself into the history books as the first Austrian to claim a world title at this World Championships. The Austrian national anthem echoed through Omnisport for the first time that week. Matvei Iakovlev, competing as a neutral athlete, finished second, while Jacopo Vendramin of Italy took bronze.
Brits strike twice
In the women’s Madison, it was once again the British riders who excelled. Erin Boothman and Phoebe Taylor won all but one of the sprints and convincingly crowned themselves world champions in this dynamic two-rider event. Denmark took silver, while Australia claimed bronze. Not long after, Great Britain celebrated a second world title, and Henry Hobbs his second of the day. After winning the omnium, Hobbs also struck in the kilometre time trial. With a time of 1:00.305, he stayed ahead of Germany’s Benjamin Bock. Alessio Magagnotti of Italy finished third.
Third gold for sprint queen Cenci
Just as the British looked set to close the gap in the standings, Italy struck again, once more through Matilde Cenci, who claimed her third world title by also winning the women’s keirin final. She had already won the team sprint and the kilometre time trial, officially earning her the title of sprint queen at these World Championships. In the final, she impressively held off the challenge from Valeria Hernandez Vergara of Colombia. Bronze went to Germany’s Emilia Waterstradt. With this victory, Italy secured its sixth gold medal. Great Britain finished second in the medal table with five world titles. The Netherlands narrowly missed the podium twice and ended the championships without a medal on home soil.
Spain signs off in style
In the final event of the World Championships — the men’s Madison — both Italy, with silver, and Great Britain, with bronze, were back on the podium. This time, however, the gold went to Spain, thanks to a powerful ride by Eric Igual Ubeda and Enaut Urcaregui Sainz.
“I wanted to attach my name to these World Championships because I want to show people how beautiful track cycling is — and inspire young athletes to get excited about the track. I have taken photos with many of these riders. I’m curious to see who I’ll meet again at major tournaments in a few years’ time. It is wonderful to see them chasing their dreams.”
