Belohvosciks surprised with early start

The winner of the 2006 Chrono des Nations, Raivis Belohvosciks from Latvia, started with number 21 in the second last heat of the time trial world championship, along with Denmark's Brian Vandborg who was fourth in Salzburg last year. Both riders were unhappy with the start time, which put them at a disadvantage racing on wet roads that had totally dried for the later starters. "I don't know why they didn't put me in this top 15 as I was 12th last year," Belohvosciks said. "Otherwise I would have finished seventh or eighth, in the top 10 for sure, but actually I don't want to complain. Only the medals count."

The UCI decides the start list based on previous results in time trials, but riders such as Australian neophyte Cameron Wurf or Eugene Wacker from Kyrgyzstan rode in the last heat along with Vuelta time trial winner Bert Grabsch, leading to questions about the start order. "In the future we might even issue a UCI ranking for time trials and that will decide for the orders of the start list at the world championship", UCI road coordinator Philippe Chevallier explained to Cyclingnews. JFQ

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Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura's specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.