Among the riders who arrived in Europe last week after participating in the Road World Championships in Kigali and who chose the Italian classics of early October to resume pedaling and pursue new significant results is Andreas Leknessund.

The Norwegian road champion, engaged in Rwanda at the elite level both in the time trial (finished sixth) and in the road race (ending in 25th position), has rediscovered the racing atmosphere of the Old Continent by taking part in succession in Giro dell'Emilia, Coppa Agostoni and Coppa Bernocchi, a mini-block of three races that will certainly help him line up at the start of upcoming domestic appointments with even more ambition and brilliance.

"At the Emilia, I didn't know what to expect, but I think overall what I did there was a good start for the block of Italian races that awaits me. I am optimistic," he told our microphones, the twenty-six-year-old from Tromsø, fresh from an African trip that proved to be extremely pleasant.

"Rwanda was truly a beautiful experience: the place was special, I had two good performances, and I really appreciated the time spent there. The races? Honestly, I didn't feel like I had super legs, but despite this, the results were good. I believe everyone suffered a bit due to the conditions we encountered. The return to Europe didn't go badly, even though I've been traveling quite a bit in the last week."

It was inevitable to ask him, regarding travels, a thought about Alexander Kristoff, who officially concluded his professional cycling journey during the Italian races Leknessund was competing in.

"I think Alex is a great source of inspiration. Despite the years passing, he always continued to work every day and give 100% both in training and in races," said without hesitation the winner of the Arctic Race of Norway 2022.

"He must have done something like a thousand group sprints in his career, but until the very end, he threw himself into them with maximum motivation, carefully preparing each appointment and, once in the race, leading the team in the best way. It's truly impressive how he managed to continue working with such dedication and so much commitment and determination after all these years. In his last races before retirement, he was super motivated to try to reach one hundred professional victories: it's a shame he didn't succeed, but at least he tried. He's great," concluded Leknessund, who, sharing the last two seasons with Kristoff, certainly benefited from the presence of such an exemplary and charismatic leader who, with his victories and qualities, has undoubtedly made a mark not only in the honor rolls of some of the most important European races but also, and above all, on the popularity of cycling throughout Norway.