Lejla Njemčević second in Scandinavia's most prestigious race

(Patria) - The best BiH cyclist and member of the professional Allebike team, Lejla Njemčević, once again shone on the international stage. In one of the most famous and prestigious races in Scandinavia, Cykelvasan – Vasaloppet, Lejla won second place in an exciting sprint finish, thus representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at the highest level once again.

This iconic race is held in Sweden and is broadcast live in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. On the 95-kilometer course, which is almost entirely flat, the decisive moment occurred on the only real climb. It was there that Lejla and Sweden's Amanda Bohlin broke away from the rest of the competition, riding side by side until the very end.

During the race, Lejla won three sprint points distributed along the course, as well as the mountain sprint in Evertsberg, confirming her dominance on the climbs once again. However, in the very finish, on home turf, Bohlin used her experience from previous participations in the race, winning by less than a second.

“Cykelvasan 90 is one of my favorite races. Although the flat course doesn't suit me, I am very satisfied with the second place and the form shown. We rode this race as part of our preparations for the World Championship, after a week with a high number of training hours. Tomorrow I return to Livigno at 2,200 meters above sea level, where I will continue my preparations for the toughest race of my career – the World Championship in Switzerland, which takes place on September 6th,” said Lejla Njemčević.

Lejla is currently undergoing extremely demanding altitude training for the biggest challenge of her career. The International Cycling Union (UCI) has prepared the most demanding course in the history of this sport for this year's World Marathon Championship – 125 kilometers with a total of 5,000 meters of climbing, at altitudes above 2,700 meters. It is estimated that the winners will need more than seven and a half hours of riding.