After Koba took the lead right from the start and led the first few laps alone, Hurikova closed the gap and an interesting duel developed. The Czech distanced Koba on the downhill sections, while she was able to close the gap easily on the steep climbs. On the last ramp, Hurikova then ran out of strength and had to push - and Koba, still riding, was able to open the decisive gap on Hurikova. The fact that this gap grew to almost a minute by the finish was due to the fact that Koba literally seemed to grow wings while the Czech gave up the duel exhausted at the back.

For Koba, it is the highlight of a season that is going better and better. Two weeks ago, the 23-year-old from the Rhine Valley was already the U23 Swiss champion, and now she continues her record of success with the European title. Even as a junior, Sarah Koba was considered one of the greatest hopes in Swiss bike racing. When she made the transition to the elite category, she struggled to keep up and suffered repeated bouts of injury and illness. With the creation of the U23 women's category this season, Koba's transition from the junior category would probably have been easier. With her triumphs this season, she is now taking her last and only chance here - next year she will start in the elite category again.

A good race was also delivered by Nathalie Schneitter, who now seems to be getting back on track after an unfortunate season. The rider from Solothurn was very pleased with her sixth place, even if she could have done better: "My chain came off twice at the stupidest time. Once right after the start, where I lost the connection. Then again on the last lap, when I was riding up to fifth place," said Schneitter at the finish. If you look at the whole season, she is very satisfied - even if a top 5 place would have been possible.

Ranking list European Championships 2006, U23 women
1st Sarah Koba, Switzerland
2. Tereza Hurikova, Czech Republic
3. Eva Lechner, Italy
4th Adelheid Morath, Germany
5th Elisabeth Osl, Austria
6th Nathalie Schneitter, Switzerland
7th Evelyn Staffler, Italy
10th Bettina Schmid, Switzerland