The opening day of the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships in Omnisport Apeldoorn kicked off just as you'd hope at a tournament full of dreams: with fireworks — on and off the track. The very first rainbow jerseys were claimed by Emma Louise Jimenez Palos (USA) in the scratch race, and by the team sprinters of Italy (women) and Great Britain (men).
After a festive opening ceremony featuring UCI Vice-President Enrico Della Casa, KNWU President Maurice Leeser, and the Mayor of Apeldoorn Ton Heerts, the racing exploded into life. The crowd was treated to everything this sport promises: speed, emotion, close finishes — and a glimpse of the future elite champions.
A dream come true for Jimenez Palos 🌈
The first gold medal of this World Championships went to Emma Louise Jimenez Palos of the USA. In a long, powerful sprint to the line, she held off Belgium’s Auke de Buysser and Yana Daniluk (riding under a neutral flag) to take the scratch race title.
“I know this track from the Next Generation tournament I rode here back in January, and honestly, this makes my whole year. I broke my collarbone in April, but managed to qualify for this World Championships anyway. Winning the qualifier gave me confidence, and in the final I was in the perfect position to launch. I felt De Buysser coming, but I gave everything — and it was enough. This is a dream come true.”
🧡Jeucken: "I Truly Enjoyed It"🧡
Dutch rider Britt Jeucken finished seventh in the scratch race. After a moment of reflection, she spoke with honesty and pride:
“I had hoped for a little more going into it, but I was able to ride my own race and got beaten purely on speed. Still, I really enjoyed today. Omnisport is my training track, so to race a World Championships here in front of such an enthusiastic crowd is really special.”
💚🤍❤️Gold for Italy and Great Britain in Team Sprint 💚🤍❤️
The first sprint medals were also awarded. In the women’s team sprint, Italy took gold by defeating Germany in the final, while Australia claimed bronze.
In the men’s event, Great Britain rode to the world title, with Korea and Germany rounding out the podium.
👀 What’s on Today?
Day 2 (Thursday) of the World Championships features:
- Individual Sprint and Elimination Race – Junior Women
- Keirin and Scratch Race – Junior Men
- And: Medals in the Team Pursuit
💥 Expect speed, tactics, upsets — and plenty of #RaceYourDreams moments.
🎟️ Want to join us in Apeldoorn? Check the program and get your tickets or watch the livestream at the buttons below