NEWS: O’Brien tastes more glory at Gran Fondo

British riders flew the flag at the Gran Fondo Time Trial in Turkey last week, VTTA member Pippa O’Brien leading the way with a gold medal in Antalya in the Women’s 65-69 age group.
In other categories VTTA Scotland rider Esther Hamill took a hard-fought bronze medal in the women’s 50-54 category.
And there were other medals for UK riders with Chantal Dyble (London Dynamo) taking Silver in the women’s 55-59 age band and Nick Giles (Pocomotion Road Club) securing bronze in the men’s 65-69.
VTTA London and Home Counties member O’Brian said afterwards: “A savage headwind made it a tougher challenge than its flat course might have suggested.”
She was the first female rider away on the 19-kilometre out-and back course, and faced a 22kph headwind on the outward leg.
“With no hills to break things up it was a test of pacing, knowing that every kilometre into the wind would bring the turn a little closer,” she explained.
“The return leg offered welcome relief, with the wind finally working in my favour and the chance to push on towards the finish.
I was delighted to win my age group, securing qualification for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Haute-Savoie in August 2027. Having that opportunity ahead makes the effort into the headwind feel especially worthwhile.”

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