Emma Jimenez Junior World Scratch Race Champion

At just 17, Emma Jimenez Palos has been a rider to watch—and now she’s officially a world champion. Eligible this season for her first UCI Junior Track World Championships, Emma came in ready to take on a full slate: Scratch, Omnium, Elimination, Points, and Individual Pursuit. Her campaign opened with the Scratch Race—and what an opener it was.

With 30 laps on the docket, Emma rode smart near the front, marking moves and keeping her head as the pace lifted. With about 3 km to go, Lilou Jauvin (FRA) jumped hard, with Anastasiia Furnyk (UKR) reacting. No panic—Emma and the bunch organized, closed it down, and by five laps to go the race had come back together, the field noticeably thinned.

Perfectly placed in third with 500 meters remaining, Emma launched her sprint over the top out of the final turn and powered clear by nearly a bike length. First across the line, first rainbow jersey, and the first title of these World Championships. What a way to start her week.

Results — Junior Women’s Scratch Race