When former world champion Giorgia Bronzini's gears came off on the World Championships finishing straight, she improvised and got a backer. She first walked over the line and still finished 27th, only 36 seconds down (Photo: Sirotti)
Winner of the elite women's world road race title in 2010 and 2011, Giorgia Bronzini was in contention for a third crown until she suffered a devastating mechanical on the home straight in Richmond on Saturday.
The Italian's rear mech appeared to fall off and she was left stricken; walking over the finish line to claim 27th place some 36 seconds down on Lizzie Armitstead, who claimed gold for Great Britain.
Unable to ride her bike, Bronzini cut a lonely figure as she flung her mount over her shoulder and set out for the Italian team bus.
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However, her team mate Rossella Ratto - a bronze medal winner in 2013 - came to her aid.
Bronzini sat onto Ratto's bike, with the latter sitting in the saddle 'backer' style, carrying Bronzini's bike over her shoulder, much to the delight of the crowd, before they rode off.
This set of photos tells the story of the usual incident.
Bronzini walks over the line as a group comes in just behind.
With not much choice, she continues walking - presumably heading back to her team coach.
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This close-up shot reveals her gears are missing.
Ratto comes back for her stricken team mate.
Bronzini takes charge, putting Ratto onto the saddle but getting ready to ride her team mate's bike herself.
It takes a few seconds to get settled and push off.
They're away...
... riding off into the Richmond evening.
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