Laura Stigger wins first elite world title in short track

Laura Stigger won the short-track title at the mountain biking world championships in Val di Sole, Italy, on Thursday, ORF reported. The 25-year-old from Tyrol secured her first world championship medal in the elite category in the non-Olympic discipline.

The former junior world champion edged Britain’s Evie Richards in a perfectly timed sprint, with both riders given the same finishing time. Switzerland’s Sina Frei took bronze, one second behind.

“I’m lost for words. It’s simply incredible and unreal, pure emotion. It’s more than just a dream come true,” Stigger said. Her family was also at the event, which she said meant a great deal to her.

Stigger won her first junior world title in Val di Sole nine years ago and also took U23 silver there. “Val di Sole has a special place in my heart,” said the cyclist from the Ötztal valley, who has already reached the podium in short track at the World Cup this year.

The world championship race over the Olympic cross-country distance is scheduled for Sunday.