Slovenian riders again very strong in Maraton Franja

The many world titles in past World Championships show that Slovenia has a strong peloton. This was again proven this weekend when riders of the home country took all 4 road races plus the 2 time trial wins.

Matej Kravos was the strongest overall in the 157km long course with a solo finish beating two Italians. Former World Champion Alfonso D’Errico got in second beating 25 others in the sprint. His compatriot Manuel Fedele got the third podium spot. Laura Simenc beated her Swiss opponent Silvia Perrenoud in the sprint to take the female win. Polish Agnieszka Sikora completed the female podium a few minutes later.

The short 97km course was for Matic Plaznik who outsprinted Miha Alic and Italian Roberto Vidoni. The female win in the same distance was for Danijela Svetik who was minutes ahead of Italian reigning World Champion Maria Cristina Prati who beated Erika Jesenko in the sprint to take second.

The weekend had begun with a 22km time trial on Friday. Slovenian Matej Kravos already showed his excellent condition by winning the time trial in a fast time of 25:59, seconds ahead of Johannes Hirschbichl and Andrej Gucek. The average speed of the winner was just over 50km/h.

Danijela Svetik took the female time trial in a time of 29:42 beating Laura Simenc and Petra Zrimsek. The average speed of Danijela was 44km/h.

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