Torreviejo–based cyclist Sandra Alonso from Spain did not pace the front in the 24-kilometer individual time trial at the European championships in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany, this Wednesday. The race tested the limits of every rider as the field pushed through the challenging course set in the Bavarian town, with varying weather conditions and a demanding route that rewarded precision and endurance alike.
Alonso, competing for Spain, started the ride with clear intent but found it difficult to keep up with the leading group. Her result placed her 21st among the contenders, a mark that reflected both the competitive depth of the field and the tough nature of the course. Close behind her, her teammate Zirtoza Isasi finished the day in 23rd, highlighting Spain
s solid, if not spectacular, performance in this particular discipline.
The winner of the event came from the European favorites cohort, Marlen Reusser of Switzerland, who delivered a consistent and aggressive ride to secure the gold. Dutch rider Ellen van Dijk produced a strong challenge and settled for a podium finish alongside Reusser, while another Dutch athlete, Riejanne Markus, completed the podium with a notable performance. These results underscore the high level of competition present at the event and the breadth of talent across Europe in time trial racing.
“I did not feel at my best, but I gave everything to the effort”, Alonso said after finishing the time trial in Germany. Her candid reflection highlighted the nature of elite sport where even when feelings on the day are not ideal, athletes push through to maximize every possible outcome. This sentiment reflects the resilience typical of professional cyclists who remain focused on improvement and future opportunities in the sport.
The Spaniard will have another chance to compete on the road in a longer, more demanding event next Sunday, a 130-kilometer test that will challenge riders to navigate a larger peloton and face formidable opposition. For Alonso, the chance to race again at this European championship level remains a significant milestone and a meaningful step in her career, especially given the level of competition and the prestige attached to European championships hosted in Germany. This backdrop provides motivation for the upcoming road race as she and the Spanish team aim to strike a balance between strategic selection in the early kilometers and the energy management necessary to endure a longer, tougher route. Attribution: European Championship, Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany.