During the 31-kilometer time trial, a thrilling duel unfolded with Swiss rider Küng, who ultimately took silver, nine seconds behind the Italian from Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Affini's compatriot Mattia Cattaneo took bronze.

Despite being with Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Affini had not yet secured an individual victory, but he has now broken that streak with a magnificent European title, allowing him to wear the European jersey for his time trials over the coming year.

“I simply don’t know how to put this wonderful victory into words,” Affini beams with happiness. “It feels amazing. I have been waiting for a win for a long time. Often I was close. My last win was in my first year as a professional cyclist. It’s extra sweet to achieve such a great victory now. Honestly, I started today without pressure and expectations. The past few weeks have been very tough in the Vuelta a España. I reached Madrid on sheer willpower. I wanted to support my teammates as much as possible. That was my motivation in what was personally the toughest grand tour I’ve ever done.”

In Spain, the Italian mainly sacrificed himself for the team but also tried for a good result in the two time trials. “In the first time trial, I was close, but I didn’t feel good about the time trial from last Sunday. I felt I lacked the strength to achieve a good result. So I didn’t have high expectations coming here. I took it a bit easier the last few days. Mathieu Heijboer gave me confidence and made me believe in my own abilities. That applies not only to today but also to the past years. I gave everything I had today and felt very good along the way. I’m crying tears of joy now. This gives so much confidence, also looking towards the future. My whole family was here, both my Italian and Dutch family. It’s indescribable to achieve such a beautiful victory in front of their eyes. I’m going to enjoy this,” says the visibly emotional Affini, who will also compete in the Mixed Relay on Thursday.

Earlier on the day, Riejanne Markus narrowly missed out on a medal. The Dutch rider was two seconds short of bronze. “It’s really disappointing to come up just short. The recent period has been very difficult for me. I’ve had a hard time mentally. My win on Sunday in Romandie gave me a lot of confidence, but unfortunately, I wasn’t quite good enough today to grab a medal. I feel that my best form is slowly coming back,” said Markus.