The Italian emphatically won the Elimination Race in Apeldoorn.
Just a few days after closing out his road season by notching up his 50th top 3 finish in two years with Deceuninck – Quick-Step, Elia Viviani returned to action, this time on the track, and the 30-year-old from Isola della Scala tasted success immediately, as he added to his already impressive palmares which counted 13 medals before the start of the competition.
One of the most accomplished track riders in the world, Elia put in a strong performance in Wednesday’s Elimination Race, where he controlled things from the very beginning, as he oozed calm and tactical nous in what ended up being one of the most spectacular events of the evening. In the final lap, Viviani found himself against Brian Coquard, and Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s rider easily outsprinted the Frenchman.
“It feels incredible, especially as I came at the start after spending a few days in bed with flu. The idea was that this race would serve me as preparation for my two main goals – the Omnium and the Madison – later in the week, so winning it gives me a huge boost of confidence”, a joyful Elia said after his seventh European title on the track and his first in the Elimination Race.
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