Return to the very top: Lejla Njemčević wins historic 15th medal at World Cup in Italy

(Patria) - Bosnia and Herzegovina's top female cyclist Lejla Njemčević, who started the World Cup race from 8th place on the UCI marathon world ranking list, achieved an outstanding performance to win third place at the World Cup in Italy on the island of Elba.

This is her historic 15th medal in World Cup races, and her first in exactly one year. Although this was her longest period without a podium finish in her career so far, winning third place is a clear indication that our competitor is making a grand return to the very top of world cycling.

Njemčević rode exceptionally well at the start of the race, trailing the winner, currently the world's best marathoner, Anna Weinbeer from Switzerland, by less than a minute. However, the high temperatures during the race took their toll and affected her rhythm, leading our competitor to a smart ride to finish third, behind Spain's top competitor Natalie Fischer.

"I am especially happy with my World Cup medal after a year, but also with the preparation itself and what we showed on the track. I know I can regain the top spot in the world, and we are working on it," stated Lejla Njemčević.

What is particularly encouraging is the fact that her form is constantly improving, and the best performances from Lejla Njemčević, the 2024 European vice-champion, are expected precisely in the upcoming, main part of the season.

The next competition awaiting the BiH representative is the World Cup in the Dolomites, scheduled for June 14th. After this brilliant performance and earned points, a significant advancement on the UCI ranking list is expected.