Racing for Team Poland, Daria Pikulik scored her 11th podium of the year, sprinting to bronze in the European Continental Championships. Pikulik was expertly positioned for the final run to the line, using the wheel of second place Elisa Balsamo (Italy) as a guide with Lorena Wiebes (Netherlands) taking the victory at the end of the 162 km race in Limburg, Belgium.
“My first podium at the European Championships road [she has 6 from the track] feels really good,” she said. “I’m happy that I finish the job of my team and we have that podium today to show for it.”
It’s been a busy summer for the 27-year-old, winning a superb silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games in the omnium and racing the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift shortly afterward. Last week, she turned to lead out rider for Silvia Zanardi’s victory at GP Fourmiens but in Belgium, she was back to leading the line, this time for her nation.
“The last month has been crazy,” Pikulik explains of the post-Games frenzy. “I’m so happy to return to racing with my national and trade team to finish 2024 strong.”
Daria’s sister Wiktoria was once again pivotal in her success, riding strongly throughout the day to keep Poland front and center.
Yuliia Biriukova (Ukraine), Audrey Cordon-Ragot (France) and Romy Kasper (Germany) all also raced for their respective nations. For Biriukova, it was her third elite event of the championships.
Giada Borghesi (Italy) and Linda Zanetti (Switzerland) also competed at the championships in yesterday’s under-23 road race.
European Continental Championships road race results
1 WIEBES Lorena – Netherlands 3:56:34
2 BALSAMO Elisa – Italy ”
3 PIKULIK Daria – Poland ”
4 COPPONI Clara – France ”
5 GÅSKJENN Ingvild – Norway ”
6 SCHWEINBERGER Kathrin – Austria ”
7 NORSGAARD Emma – Denmark ”
8 VAS Blanka – Hungary ”
9 LELEIVYTĖ Rasa – Lithuania ”
10 MAJERUS Christine – Luxembourg ”
