This went unexpectedly to Academy rider Roy Goldstein 24, who outsprinted Itmar Einhorn 20, in 3:52:33 on the tough Britannia Park course. Third place went to Aviv Yechzkel, 23, of the ICA who crossed the line five seconds behind from the break-away leading group, with Guy Gabay fourth, 42 seconds adrift.

Unusually for an otherwise non-team competition, the break had waited for Goldstein to join them. Sagiv, bleeding from many grazes and in a torn jersey and shorts, limped into seventh place at +4:20.

A different picture emerged in the women’s event with attack followed by attack. The three European pro team riders were in control, with Shani Bloch-Davidov, 39, demonstrating her considerable experience, forcing the pace, shared with Paz Bash, 34.

Omer Shapira, 23, of GS Bianchi, was outstanding in the attacks. She finally broke away to take the title in 2:52:50. Bash was second followed by Bloch-Davidov of Team Velo Concept Women in third.