Guy Sagiv timed his sprint to perfection to win the Road race Championship of Israel.
Sagiv, 22, edged ahead in the final few metres to beat Time Trial champion Aviv Yechzkel after more than three hours of animated racing in the Bet Guvrin area. Bronze went to Roy Goldstein, a further minute behind.
Guy Gabay and Zohar Hadari crossed the line in fourth and fifth place respectively to complete a strong performance from the Israel Professional Academy Team.
Defending champion Paz Bash (4:59) cut a dejected figure after a disappointing display after finishing in fifth place in the Elite Women’s event, with Miriam Bar-On taking the title in the Elite Women’s event in 2:59:54 after a lone break to the finish. Olympics-bound Shani Bloch (4:22) was fourth.
Two Junior Championships were decided in the same area of Bet Guvrim with Roni Fishman (17) winning the Women’s title in 1:25, from Gal Hadash.
The Junior Men’s title went to Guy Weinberg, 18, after 2:43. Yuval Ben Moshe took silver and Saar Hershler claimed bronze after a thrilling sprint finish.
Elsewhere, members of the Academy Team were successful in their respective home countries. Luis Lemus recovered from his horrendous crash earlier this season to seal the Mexican title and others, including Mikhel Raim of Estonia and Dan Craven of Namibia won theirs. Guillaume Boivin, who was hospitalised with injuries from the Quebec event, has yet to defend his Canadian title.
Closer to home, Jamie Wimbourne of Hillingdon Slipstreamers clocked 24:27, just three seconds short of a personal best to finish in the top half of the annual GHS Time Trial event in Hertfordshire following completion of his GCSE exams.
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