"It was very tough today, especially with the wind," said the freshly crowned European Games champion, "but then again it's the same circumstances for everyone. I was able to get into a rhythm quickly and I could keep up the pace."

"This is what I can do, but it didn't feel particularly great on this course. It's hard to concentrate when it's only one straight road ahead. There's not much to do while riding. You just have to push and push."

The men's race begins at 16:30, with favourite Luis Leon Sanchez Gil going out 12th.

 

(baku2015.com)