Lejla Njemčević's Brilliant Season: First EP Medal for BiH, 21st National Championship Title, and Second Place in the World Series

(Patria) - The best BiH cyclist Lejla Njemčević concluded her best season as the second-best cyclist in the world after the last World Cup held in Lake Placid in the United States. Among other achievements, she secured a career-best success at the European Championship in Denmark, where she took second place on the flat course. This was the first medal in the history of BiH cycling from a European Championship.

In the World Cup races, Njemčević took second place at the season opener in the Czech Republic. In the second World Cup event in France, she achieved her most convincing World Cup victory to date, with a lead of over 13 minutes ahead of the second-placed American Hannah Rae Otto. In the final World Cup race in Lake Placid, our competitor secured third place on another flat course.

In the overall World Series standings, the best BiH cyclist took second place with 610 points, behind Vera Looser, who finished the season in first place with 660 points, while Janina Wust was in third position with 450 points.

"This was an incredible season in which I won a medal at the European Championship, the first in my career and the first in BiH's history. I also secured second place in the World Series standings. Unfortunately, three out of the four most important races this season were flat, which is not characteristic of the marathon discipline, and such courses do not suit me. However, my team and I adapted and achieved great results. I am extremely satisfied with what has been achieved, and the true indicator of form is precisely the toughest race of the season in France with almost 5,000 meters of elevation gain, where I achieved my most dominant victory to date. Now it's time for a short break, and then we continue with preparations for the next season," stated Njemčević.

In her career, she has won the World Marathon Series twice, an achievement previously accomplished only by Blaža Pintarić from Slovenia and Sally Bigham from Great Britain in the history of world cycling. This season, Lejla also won her 21st national championship title and secured a total of four victories in UCI races.

"Lejla had her best season in her career, in which she showed exceptional experience in the most important races. The crown of the season was undoubtedly the medal from the European Championship on a flat course where heavier competitors had an advantage. Nevertheless, with experienced and smart riding, she won second place in a sprint finish. It is particularly encouraging that, regardless of the course profiles in the past season, Lejla finished every major race on the podium, which ultimately earned her second place in the overall World Series standings. On home soil, she achieved her 21st national championship title of Bosnia and Herzegovina," said her coach Amar Njemčević.

After a short break, our competitor will start the new season with preparatory races in Spain in January 2025.