The World Mixed Relay World Championship is also an opportunity for the organizing cycling federation UCI to give less traditional cycling countries the opportunity to take action. For example, Tahiti started off, followed by New Caledonia and Samoa. They didn’t get involved at all, but their joy was infectious. At Samoa, the last one at 18 minutes from leader Switzerland, it looked very amateurish.
The three countries took part at the invitation of the UCI. Only one of the men from Samoa rode a time trial bike. Gideon Mulitalo – on a regular bike – could not follow after only 3 km.
The feelings in the comment box are double, on the climb the Samoa women could not stay together: “They have to look back, because you have to arrive with 2”, Ruben Van Gucht outlines. “It’s a knife that cuts both ways.”
“It’s good for these countries that they can get to know a world-class event, but on the other hand, this is completely amateurish.”
“It hurts the eyes when you see the Dutch women popping around,” adds José De Cauwer.
The women of Samoa were eager to arrive together. They encouraged each other. “What enthusiasm. They are friends for life”, De Cauwer appreciates their happiness. “They get the audience award.”
José De Cauwer could taste the enthusiasm of the lesser gods. Tahiti and New Caledonia created a great ambiance in the hot seats. “They already get a medal for me for this. That joy is nice to see and contrasts with the seriousness and stress of the others.”
