Just before the Olympic Games, para-cyclist Anna Beck's brother received the news that he has incurable cancer, which she has talked about on Instagram.
We said before I left that he's fighting his battle and I'm fighting here for both of us. It's been a challenge, but... we're doing it together. It gives an extra dimension when he's fighting on his side, she says in a broken voice to TT.
The 44-year-old Swede has been unbeaten in tempo for two years and also had the fastest time in the race in Paris.
But Beck was disadvantaged by the competition format where three classes were merged and there was a bonus system. The Swedish team knew it would be tough to take a medal.
"She's unique"
And it was tough. In the end, she was fourth, one second behind.
We had a plan to give her times and coach her the last three kilometers, since we knew she could make up time. And she did, she delivers. She's unique and does what we see is not possible, says national team captain Michael Lindgren, clearly moved, to SVT.
Due to the bonus system, Maike Hausberger, Germany, won with a 15-second margin to Frances Brown, Great Britain. Beck was another eight seconds behind. Hausberger competes in C2 and Brown in C1.
The 44-year-old Swede had a three-tenth of a second margin to fourth-placed Flurina Rigling (C2).
I heard that I was on a medal, but it was very tight at the end, and it was. At the beginning, I didn't get the speed in the curves and it took a little time to get into it, says Beck to TT.
When it became more uphill and downhill, I felt it was good. But the last hill is both steep and long, and then there wasn't much left – but enough.
Aiming for a new medal
Beck's strength is her endurance.
I've trained a lot and can handle being high and can handle lactic acid both physically and mentally – and can focus on grinding it out all the way.
Anna Beck took silver in the tempo event at the Paralympics in Tokyo 2021 and silver in the road race as well.
On Saturday, the road race will be held in Paris, and then no consideration will be taken to the classes, but the one who crosses the finish line first will win. It's an advantage for Beck, who of course aims for a medal again.
I hope and will give it my all.
Do you have a greater medal chance in the road race?
Yes, maybe, I'll do everything to make it happen.
