Yesterday, Gustav Larsson (IAM Cycling) proved once again that he is Sweden’s best time-trialler, winning the national championships almost 2 minutes ahead of the rest.

60 riders had signed up to test themselves against the clock on a 43,2 km course around Åstorp, including a 3-km climb over the Sönderåsen hills in the first 10 km. Many of them were amateurs riding for local Swedish clubs, but several Continental team riders and four WorldTour or Professional Continental team riders – Alexander Wetterhall (NetApp-Endura), Tobias Ludvigsson (Argos-Shimano) and the IAM duo of Gustav Larsson and Thomas Löfkvist – ensured that the level of competition was high.

Thomas Löfkvist was one of the earliest starters, and he posted a time of 55 minutes and 35 seconds. This time would stand almost to the end. Finally, Tobias Ludvigsson beat Löfkvist’s time with 55:29 – but only seconds later, Gustav Larsson crossed the line. Larsson had started last, two minutes behind Ludvigsson, and almost caught the 21-year-old, setting a time of 53:38 and winning the title for the fourth time in a row, and the sixth time overall.

The top-5 was completed by Alexander Wetterhall with 56:29 and amateur Joakim Åleheim of Falköpings CK who posted an impressive 56:36.

Result:

1. Gustav Larsson (IAM Cycling) 53:38

2. Tobias Ludvigsson (Argos-Shimano) +1:52

3. Thomas Löfkvist (IAM Cycling) +1:57

4. Alexander Wetterhall (NetApp-Endura) +2:50

5. Joakim Åleheim (Falköpings CK) +2:54

6. Alexander Gingsjö (People4you-Unaas) +3:00

7. Fredrik Johansson (Trek Sweden Racing/CK C4) +3:09

8. Marcus Fåglum-Karlsson (Falköpings CK) +3:33

9. Sebastian Balck (Christina Watches-Onfone) +3:34

10. Mats Andersson (Concordia Forsikring-Riwal) +4:28