The U23 Womens’ World Champ race in Bieles, Luxembourg was fantastically exciting from beginning to end. So stoked for Ellen Noble. I’d go on more about what we saw last Saturday, but most of that’s said below.
: Full results from CXMagazine.
: Full report from CXMagazine.

Always seems weird not to have the giant start lights you have in the Superprestige in the World Cup/World Champ races.

One ronde in (technically the separation happened halfway through) and here’s your front four to contest the race.

I’ve been highlighting Ellen’s skillz, but Annemarie was silently killing this course all day. This was Ellen’s worst section, and Worst’s best.

2 things: 1) OMFG BEAST MODE!! 2) That hella pro euro-shoulder steez. Absolutely no bounce when placing back on the ground.

Then this descent from Ellen—she railed this faster than a lot of the Elite Men on Sunday. Even Wuyts commented.

Noble and Worst, matching each other, effort for effort. Absolutely captivating and aggressive racing.

Unfortunately, Ellen’s race and chances for gold go off the rails right here. Whether it was fatigue that caused this mistake or a simple slip that threw her off her rhythm and the subsequent chase caused her to pop, it was here where everything changed.

Look at the precision Annemarie shows here, then accelerates like a rocket from the spot where most are still looking for traction and balance. She did this every lap—no foot out, either.

Annemarie never broke from her gameplan the entire race. She rode steadily, without any major efforts, saving her energy for the final lap when it’s needed most.

And HOLY SHIT what a race and a season by this woman!! Ellen Noble super ecstatic with her silver medal. This doesn’t look like a first loser to me. Amazing effort.