Alec Segaert won the bronze medal on Friday afternoon in the U23 road race at the Road Cycling World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland. However, this bronze medal had a bitter taste for the young 21-year-old runner from Lotto Dstny, due to the tragic death of the Swiss Muriel Furrer (18), victim of a heavy fall during her road race on Thursday.
The title of world junior champion was won by the German Niklas Behrens in Zurich still drenched in rain. After 173.6 kilometers from Uster, Behrens beat Slovakian Martin Svrcek in a final two-man sprint. Segaert won bronze, around thirty seconds late, after a late attack within the chasing group.
“Given the race, I am proud of my result,” reacted Segaert, who had to settle for fourth place in the time trial, where he was nevertheless considered the big favorite. “My performance in the time trial was disappointing, but I quickly moved on. I didn’t want to leave these championships without a medal. We ran well as a team, always at the front. I am happy to have been able to reward this teamwork with bronze. »
The medal ceremony took place in a gloomy atmosphere due to the death of Furrer, news that deeply touched Segaert, who had already experienced the death of his friend and teammate Tijl De Decker, which occurred in 2023. “C That was one of the first things I learned after arrival. An event like this brings up a lot of emotions. Such a young runner… Tijl’s story immediately came to mind, and it became difficult for me,” he confided, his throat tight.
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