The elusive win that retiring Olympic champ craves most
Olympic gold medallist Grace Brown wants the one key win missing from her glittering cycling career.
The 32-year-old will retire from professional competition at the end of this season and she is among the favourites for the women’s elite time trial at the world road championships.
Brown won silver in the time trial at the past two worlds before she broke through in the event for Australia’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
On day one of the Games, as most of her rivals crashed in the treacherous conditions, Brown produced a faultless ride through the middle of Paris.
American ace Chloe Dygert, who beat Brown for last year’s world title, will again be a key rival for the Australian this Sunday night (AEST) in Zurich.
Australia has not won an elite title at the road worlds since Rohan Dennis went back-to-back in the 2018-19 men’s time trial.
“This … is a special and significant event for me. I’m coming into the ITT as Olympic champion with high expectations to go after the rainbow jersey as well,” Brown said.
“It’s been a long year and especially a busy few months, but I’m feeling relaxed and ready to give my best this coming week in Switzerland.”
Brown will also be part of a strong team for the women’s road race on Saturday, September 28, with new star Neve Bradbury and road race medallist Amanda Spratt also key riders.
Callum Scotson is out of the Australian team for the elite men’s road race on September 29 because of illness. Chris Harper has taken his place.
Last month, Luke Plapp withdrew from the Australian team after suffering serious injuries at the Paris Games.
Plapp was hospitalised when he was among the riders to crash in the sodden conditions during the Olympic time trials.
Jay Vine, who has made a remarkable recovery from his crash injuries earlier this year, will take his place in the men’s time trial this Sunday.
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