The Swedish champion Nathalie Eklund talks about the race which already became a nightmare early on.
- I am very dissatisfied.
Already after seven kilometres, it started to get black in my eyes and I became very tired.
I couldn't press anything at all basically.
Actually, it was best to break, but you don't break a time trial and especially not an EC.
Then it was just a matter of trying to survive to the finish line, she says and continues:
- When I crossed the finish line I more or less collapsed and had to lie in the ambulance for a while.
I had very high blood sugar.
I was basically gone.
I couldn't see anything and couldn't stand or sit.
How are you now?
- Now it is much better.
I feel weak in my body, but it's not so strange.
- I have felt a bit cold the last three days, but have still been able to train.
I have a negative corona test, so it shouldn't be.
And I felt very good in the warm-up.
It was around 30 degrees and sunny when the time trial took place, but Eklund is not sure that was the cause of the collapse.
- It didn't feel like I was overheated, but it was hot and sunny and stuff.
Or it's something with the cold.
I have no idea.
Eklund had high hopes for the time trial.
- Top ten, absolutely, but closer to top five.
Even more now that I see the results.
those who came fourth and fifth, I was one and two seconds behind at the WC.
I feel in much better shape now, so it was sad.
The Swede is still looking forward to Sunday's line race.
- Of course I have to review the symptoms and see if it gets worse.
But I think it should be okay.
The time trial was won by the Swiss Marlen Reusser in a time of 30.59.90.
Eklund was two minutes and 20 seconds slower.