When I saw Annika Langvad get off her bike, I was still completely focused on executing my race plan. At that moment, I tried to bring my attention to riding that section clean, and to the best of my ability. I knew that I had recovered well from the climb and had a bit of energy left to really push through those last technical sections. It’s hard to tell from the video or pictures, but the last few sections of the course require a really interesting combination of power and technical skill. Being a bit more recovered from the climb, I could pedal through those sections and carry momentum on the second half of the course.

Even when I was leading on the final lap, my inner voice didn’t change. I had the same internal dialogue as I’d had for much of the race.

"Keep it smooth, nail these technical sections, stay focused."

I thought only about riding to the best of my ability, and I hoped that if I rode like a champion, my best on the day might be the best in the world!