Soudal Quick-Step U19’s Frenchman delivered his country’s third medal at this edition.
Simon Defrance finished a remarkable runner-up at the Junior World Championships in the 134km road race that was held on a hilly circuit around Montreal. It was another stand-out result for the 18-year-old, who has been one of the season’s most impressive and consistent riders.
Ten climbs and an elevation gain of more than 2600 meters made for a very hard and selective race, and that makes Simon’s performance even more remarkable. Victorious in eight races this year – including Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne and the Nationals – Defrance was the only rider capable of going in pursuit of lone leader Benjamin Noval (Spain) and maintaining a strong tempo regardless of the terrain in the last 30 kilometers of the race.
By finishing second, he became the second Soudal Quick-Step U19 rider to clinch a medal at this edition of the World Championships after Vic De Smet, who took silver in the individual time trial just a couple of days ago.
“I wasn’t the main favorite today and this second place is the maximum I could get from this race. Of course, there’s a bit of disappointment, which is normal, but at the same time, I’m proud of my effort and of what I could achieve here. It was my first time at the World Championships and at the end of the day to be happy with being on the podium”, Simon explained after receiving his medal.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images