The Revenge of the Flying Dutchwomen!

Leontien is built "Rez-Tough"!

--ryan



Leontien Bounces Back


Triple Olympic gold medallist Leontien Zijlaard-van Moorsel (Netherlands) has added a fourth gold medal to her impressive collection, winning the 24 kilometre women's time trial today in Vouliagmeni. Putting a nasty crash in Sunday's road race behind her, Zijlaard-van Moorsel powered to the finish in a time of 31'11.53, 24 seconds faster than American Dede Demet-Barry and 44 seconds better than Karin Thürig (Switzerland).

"I have pain all over my body. I have a terrible headache, but I'm so happy," Zijlaard-Van Moorsel told Dutch television after the finish.

"After my crash, I told myself I didn't want to end my career like this," she added. "I've worked really hard since last year and I thought this morning I had to at least get a medal because I knew I was in shape. I had some doubts in the early part of the course and I was really suffering after the 10km mark. I was at my limit."

The Americans had a strong showing with Demet-Barry taking silver and Christine Thorburn finishing just outside the medals in fourth. It was Thorburn who set one of the early markers, getting the better of notables such as Jeannie Longo of France, who failed to finish in the medals in either the road race or time trial this year. Demet-Barry set the fastest time at both the intermediate check and at the finish, but would have to wait for favourites such as Joane Somarriba (Spain), Thürig, Van Moorsel, road race silver medallist Judith Arndt (Germany), and Zoulfia Zabirova of Russia to finish.

"I kept a little in reserve during the first half because I wanted to save some strength for the finish," Demet-Barry explained, referring to the headwind which greeted the riders for their return. "I'm very happy to be here. I've had an incredible week. I have family here, my grandfather is originally from Greece, so for me it's like coming back to my roots."

Thürig was content with her bronze medal, which despite her classification as an outsider for the podium came as a surprise. "The level of competition was very high and I didn't think I'd be able to get a medal," she admitted. "The Games have been a great experience."

Demet-Barry was able to hold the Swiss specialist Thürig at bay, but there was no stopping Van Moorsel, who stormed through the first time check nearly 30 seconds faster than the American and looked set to repeat her gold medal from the Sydney time trial four years ago. Arndt and Zabirova failed to make an impact on the fast rolling course, and thus Van Moorsel's victory was practically assured once she crossed the line with what remained the fastest time.