Olympic champ Kristin Armstrong wins time trial world title, ends career on top

Kristin Armstrong wins time trial at worlds

MENDRISIO, Switzerland — Kristin Armstrong of the United States won the time trial race at the road cycling world championships Wednesday, likely ending her illustrious career at the top.

The reigning Olympic champion timed 35 minutes, 26.09 seconds over two laps of the 16.7-mile course, defeating Noemi Cantele of Italy by 55 seconds. Linda Villumsen of Denmark trailed by 58 seconds to take the bronze medal.

The 36-year-old Armstrong, who won her first time trial world title in 2006, has said she will retire after these championships.

“It doesn’t matter how many times you become world champion, it’s always the best feeling in the world,” Armstrong said. “I just wanted to focus on going as hard as I could possibly go.”

Armstrong led at every time check and extended her lead. The effort on a hot day in the Swiss Alps left her slumped over her handlebars after crossing the finish line.

One year after a disappointing fifth at the worlds held at nearby Varese, Italy, Armstrong said she had trouble motivating herself so soon after her gold medal victory in Beijing.

“I wanted to support the sport and come back for the worlds,” Armstrong said. “I had one year to prepare and I had a perfect day.”

Defending champion Amber Neben of the United States finished sixth, trailing her teammate by almost 90 seconds.

French veteran Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli finished 10th, 1:48 behind. The 50-year-old Longo-Ciprelli is a four-time champion.