Tibor Del Grosso felt that he forced rival Thibau Nys into a last-lap mistake, allowing him to clinch silver from the Belgian following a race-long battle in his maiden elite UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships.
The rising star won the under-23 category during the last two years before making his impact in the elite ranks this campaign. On Sunday, Del Grosso played a loyal teammate role to help fellow countryman Mathieu van der Poel split the race in the opening lap, before his Alpecin-Premier Tech teammate rode away to an historic eighth world title.
“We really put each other on the limit. It made it [the silver medal] more satisfying after a hard battle. The spectators really liked that there was some battle going on,” said Del Grosso.
“I saved it for the last lap. I really tried to get there first and try and force him into making a mistake.”
“It was quite cool to make such a step up,” he added. “I think it proves that I belong in the top of the sport. Of course, I really would like to become World Champion in the elites one day as well.
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