Judith Arndt powered to gold in the women’s time trial at the Road World Championships as Great Britain's Emma Pooley narrowly missed out on a medal.
Germany’s Arndt fended off the opposition to the tune of 33 seconds on a hilly course in Limburg, Holland to defend her 2011 title in style.
The victory was even sweeter for the 36-year-old who has announced her intention to retire at the end of the season, with Saturday’s road race set to be her farewell to professional cycling.
Evelyn Stevens (United States) had been sitting in the hot seat after setting the previous best time on the 24.3-kilometre course, but had to be content with a silver medal on the day.
The remaining step on the podium went to Linda Villumsen, the New Zealander having finished with a time eight seconds quicker than Pooley to deny the 2010 champion a place on the rostrum. Wendy Houvenaghel (Great Britain) placed 14th on her return to the road.
With a hefty tailwind aiding the riders Ina Teutenberg’s (Germany) benchmark time came increasingly under threat at the two intermediate split points, the experienced sprinter eventually winding up sixth behind Holland’s Ellen Van Dijk.
The Championships continue on Wednesday with elite men’s time trial event.
