In the final run, he rode into second without a hitch before qualifying for a final without 2016 Olympic champion Connor Fields. The American hit the asphalt hard in the semi-finals and had to be removed with a stretcher.
Van Gendt not in final
Kimmann was the only Dutchman in the men’s final. For Twan van Gendt, the day ended in deception; the reigning world champion fell silent in the first series after a collision with fellow countryman Joris Harmsen. In the sequel, Van Gendt could not compete with the world top, after which he stranded in the semi-finals.
In the women’s race, contender Laura Smulders crashed hard in the first race of the semi-final. Merel Smulders made up for the day for the Smulders family by winning the bronze in the final.
During the interview after his golden race, Kimmann saw how Merel Smulders rode to the bronze. Watch the interview below.
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