Julie Debock crowned European road champion
Two days after winning silver in the time trial, para-cyclist Julie Debock claimed her first European title.
The European para-cycling road championships took place in Maniago, Italy, where Belgian rider Julie Debock was competing for the first time.
Already in strong form in the time trial—despite it not being her preferred discipline—she secured an impressive silver medal. Two days later, Debock (WC4 category) did even better in the road race, winning her first European gold after controlling the race from start to finish.
“I feel like I’m living a dream,” said the Belgian, delighted after the race. “Right from the start, two riders from another category broke away. I tried to catch them, but didn’t want to push too hard so I could save energy for the rest of the race. I found myself in a group where the pace suited me. Later, two more riders attacked and I decided to follow them, even though the group eventually caught us. I’m proud I stayed calm and was able to give everything in the sprint to take this first victory,” said the rider from Colfontaine (Hainaut province).
The next major event for Belgian para-cyclists will be the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, scheduled to take place in Huntsville (USA) in early September 2026.