Speaking of a dream farewell from cycling: Elia Viviani ended his last race as a professional cyclist with a victory. The 36-year-old Italian claimed the world title in the elimination race on the final day of the Track Cycling World Championships. There was also Dutch success, as Yoeri Havik took the bronze medal.
Fairy tales don’t exist, except if your name is Elia Viviani. Today, the Italian lined up for the very last time in a major cycling race, following an extraordinarily successful career on both the road and the track. But Viviani was definitely eager to shine one last time in one of his favorite track events: the elimination race.
The 36-year-old track star, however, had to battle several strong rivals, including defending champion Tobias Hansen, Yoeri Havik, William Tidball, Campbell Stewart, and Jules Hesters.
Of these big names, Hansen surprisingly had to leave the race early. The 2024 world champion was caught off guard at an early stage, and Hesters was also out fairly quickly. Havik, on the other hand, stayed sharp and at one point even took the initiative.
Dotting the i’s
With just four riders left on the track, the Dutchman launched an attack to secure a medal for sure. Havik succeeded in his mission but then didn’t have the energy to contest the battle for the world title. Stewart and Viviani remained, but there was no real thrilling duel for the rainbow jersey.
The deeply motivated Viviani had the situation under control and claimed the world title with one final powerful acceleration. In this way, the Italian marks a grand ending to his career.
UCI Cycling World Championships - Track (Elimination Race)| Rank | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | " | |
| 3 | " | |
| 4 | " | |
| 5 | " | |
| 6 | " | |
| 7 | " | |
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| 10 | " |
