Competing in her fourth and final event, Kaia Schmid (Marblehead, Mass.; LUX/Sideshow p/b Specialized) cannot be stopped. Racing in the Junior Women’s Points Race, the 18-year-old showed her tactical ability, taking two laps on the field and earned points in four sprints.
It's been a busy week for Schmid, claiming a gold in the Elimination Race, silver in the Omnium, and now bronze in the Points Race. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It feels amazing to wrap up the World Championships with a first, second, and third. This is my first international racing experience on the track, so I’m beyond stoked to be lining up and challenging the world's best juniors for the rainbow jersey. Proud of my consistency throughout each event this week.”
The Junior Women’s Points Race was fast from the start, with French rider Jade Labastugue attacking from the gun. Schmid was ready for it and counter-attacked when the group came back together, breaking away from the group and taking a lap. Unfortunately, the race was neutralized at 65 laps to go because of a crash involving the rider from Ukraine. After the re-start, Schmid attacked again, pushing the peloton faster. Russia’s Alena Ivanchenko and Italy’s Valentina Basilico kept pace with Schmid, taking laps on the field. In the end, Ivanchenko proved the dominant racer, taking three laps on the field and winning the race. The battle for second came down to the final sprint between Schmid and Basilico, with Basilico narrowly edging Schmid out at the line.
1. Alena Ivanchenko (RUS) 73 pts
2. Valentina Basilico (ITA) 54 pts
3. Kaia Schmid (USA) 48 pts
Dakota Stein (Orwigsburg, Pa.; Sprinter’s Edge) represented Team USA in the Junior Men’s Omnium. His best placing in the 4-event race was in the Scratch Race, where he placed 19th.
1. Radovan Stec (CZE) 135 pts
2. Dylan Bibic (CAN) 122 pts
3. Daniil Valgonen (RUS) 111 pts
23. Dakota Stein (USA)
On the final day of racing in Cairo, make sure to catch Mia Deye (Geigertown, Pa.; Star Track Racing) take on the keirin.
