Canadian Wrubleski overcame fall for ninth place

Despite a fall in the last lap, Alex Wrubleski of Regina finished ninth on Saturday in the 113.7-kilometre women's elite road race at the world championships in road cycling being held this week in Stuttgart, Germany.

Marta Bastianelli of Italy won the gold medal with defending champion Marianne Vos of the Netherlands second. Giorgia Bronzini of Italy was third. Wrubleski and Erinne Willock of Victoria, who was 17th, were in the same pack within six seconds of the winner.

"With a bit more experience, Alex could have done even better because she was in good position for the sprint. Despite that unlucky fall it's still a superb result," said Kris Westwood, the Canadian team manager.

In her fall, Wrubleski also brought down former world champion Judith Arndt of Germany as both were among a 15-rider pack. It was Arndt's second fall of the day. Earlier, she was one of those affected by the barriers that got blown into the course by the wind.

At the time of Wrubleski fall, Willock made an attempt to catch Bastianelli. The Italian was alone at the front and ended up winning the race.

Leigh Hobson of Toronto was 32nd (1'09" behind), while Anne Samplonius of Montreal did not finish.