Israel’s leading cyclists have staked their claims on selection for the Rio Olympics.
In the small window between the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France, cyclists return to their various home countries to challenge for their National Time Trial and Road Championship titles. Israel is no exception with both the Elite women’s and men’s TT titles on the roads in and around Urim, close to the Gaza Strip.
Road champion Paz Bash, 32, set her sights on Brazil with a blistering ride of 36:20 in the women’s 24km event. Rotem Gafinovitz, 23, recorded 37:36 to take the second podium place, with Miriam Bar-on, 27, third in 38:50.
Professional Cycling Academy Team rider Yoav Bear, 24, took the champion’s medal and jersey, clocking 47:56 for the 36km men’s event. Runner-up Aviv Yechzkel, 21, clocked 48:73 with Omer Goldshtein, 19, third in 49:33.
The formbook was turned on its head in the respective men and women’s Road Race Championships in Bet Guvrin. An unfortunate mistake in the sprint for the line cost Academy rider Guy Gabay the title. In a three-man sprint for the line, Gabay raised his hands for the victory, only to be passed by Gay Sagiv to take the Champions jersey in 3:54:23.
Defending champion Paz Bash finished four seconds behind winner Rotem Gafinovitz.
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