Elisa Longo Borghini finished third in the world championship road race for the third time in her career, but was all smiles despite Demi Vollaring ending her solo attack in the closing stages.

The 32-year-old Italian was third in Imola in 2020 and Valkenburg in 2012. He had numerous other placings, but again missed out on the rainbow jersey in Zurich.

“I really wanted to have fun and I did. I also wanted to win. It didn't happen, but I'm very happy,” said a sporty Longo Borghini.

Longo Borghini was not intimidated by the many attacks from the Dutchman and attacked himself, hurting many of his rivals and forcing Lotte Kopecky to fight back and produce a great sprint win.

Longo Borghini describes herself as an “endurance rider” and knows she is not fast in sprint finishes. She focused on a solo attack with six kilometers to go, got away, and even thought the world title was within reach.

“For a moment I thought I could win. But there were so many other racers who needed to win and they sealed it,” Longo Borghini said, referring to Demi Vollaring.

The 2023 Tour de France winner was also aggressive on the climbs, as the Dutch riders seemed to be riding for themselves rather than the pack.

Longo Borghini built a 100-meter advantage, but Vollaring ended his hopes on the race's final gradual climb. Vollaring's effort undoubtedly ruined her own chances of success.

“I think Volering was desperate to win the race,” Longo Borghini said with a hint of frustration.

“Unfortunately for me, she also closed the gap to me. But this is bike racing.”

In the six-man sprint for the rainbow jersey, Longo Borghini again played to his strengths, but again lost.

“My legs were tired and I knew I had to do a long sprint.

“I should have competed that way. I am an endurance rider and the other riders were struggling. Maybe I could have won, maybe not, but I wanted to finish on the podium.” [Unlimited access to all coverage of the 2024 UCI Road World Championships, including breaking news and analysis from local journalists, including junior, under-23 and elite time trials and road races. Details.