Audacious Arndt grabs gold at world cycling championships

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2004

VERONA, Italy (AFP) — Olympic silver medallist Judith Arndt of Germany crowned a brave attack in the final kilometres of the women's road race to claim a deserved gold here at the world cycling championships.

Arndt, 28, crossed the finish line after the 132.75km race in a time of 3hr 44min 38secs to leave a host of favourites, including Britain's Nicole Cooke, way down the standings.

Italian Tatiana Guderzo came second at 10secs behind with Norwegian champion Anita Valen claiming bronze 12secs off the pace.

Arndt bravely attacked a leading group of six riders following the ninth and final climb of the decisive three-kilometre Torricelle climb.

Less than three kilometres from the finish, Guderzo - who had made an earlier futile attempt to attack -...