Italy claimed their first Worlds mixed relay title in Montreal after a commanding team time trial performance from both trios.
The Italian squad finished eight seconds ahead of France at the World Championships. Switzerland took bronze, 19 seconds down, after Stefan Küng suffered an early mechanical problem.
Defending champions Australia missed the podium and placed fourth, 40 seconds behind Italy. The result ended their reign in a discipline now in its seventh edition at Worlds.
Italy take control in Worlds mixed relay
Filippo Ganna, Matteo Sobrero and Mattia Cattaneo set the tone on the opening leg. Ganna drove the Italian men through their effort and helped deliver the fastest first-half ride.
Italy already held the advantage when the women’s trio took over. Vittoria Guazzini, Monica Trinca Colonel and Elisa Longo Borghini then expanded the margin.
At the final checkpoint, Italy stood 16 seconds clear of France. The gap narrowed on the uphill finish, but the Italians still had enough to secure gold by eight seconds.
Ganna’s ride came after Remco Evenepoel beat him in Sunday’s individual time trial. In the relay, the Hour Record holder became the anchor of Italy’s early advantage.
France push late as Switzerland recover
France earned silver with a balanced ride across both halves of the race. Bruno Armirail led the French men’s trio before Juliette Berthet, Marion Borras and Cedrine Kerbaol took over.
The French women reduced some of Italy’s lead on the final climb. However, they had too much ground to recover after Italy’s strong first leg and controlled second half.
Switzerland’s bronze came despite a costly setback in the opening kilometres. Küng broke his handlebars and lost contact with Mauro Schmid and Stefan Bissegger.
That left the Swiss men effectively riding as a pair for much of their leg. They reached the changeover 35 seconds behind Italy.
Marlen Reusser then produced a powerful ride to pull Switzerland back into medal contention. The recovery lifted the Swiss team past Australia by the finish.
Australia lose title as early starters animate race
Australia started as defending champions with Michael Matthews, Cameron Rogers and Conor Leahy handling the men’s leg. They reached the changeover 12 seconds behind Italy.
Georgia Baker, Mackenzie Coupland and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden could not match the Swiss comeback. Australia finished fourth and left Montreal without a medal.
Germany sat fifth at the changeover, 28 seconds down, but also faced trouble in the second leg. Ricarda Bauernfeind suffered a mechanical early in the women’s effort.
Franziska Koch and Antonia Niedermaier continued for Germany, who ultimately finished fifth.
Fifteen squads contested the event in Montreal. The medal fight always looked likely to come from the final wave, but several earlier teams shaped the race.
Norway and Poland both spent time in the hot seat. Spain then moved to the top with a strong performance that included an impressive ride from Paula Blasi.
Once Italy rolled down the start ramp, the pace changed decisively. The Azzurri combined power, pacing and depth to win the Worlds mixed relay for the first time.
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