RICHMOND, Virginia: Velocio SRAM captured a fourth consecutive women’s team time-trial title Sunday at the World Road Cycling Championships with Germany’s Trixi Worrack making herself the only rider on each winning squad.

The German-based lineup that won the past three crowns as Lululemon completed the 38.6km (24 miles) trek in 47min 35.72secs to edge Dutch-based Boels Dolmans by 6.22 seconds.

“It’s a really nice feeling,” Worrack said of her sweep of the crowns since the trade team event began.

Velocio had not lost in more than three years until falling at the Vargada World Cup in Sweden to RaboLiv, which finished third, 56.12 seconds adrift.

“Losing after so many years, sometimes it’s good to do some mistakes,” Worrack said. “We improved a lot in between this time and now we’re really happy.”

Worrack was joined in the winning effort by compatriots Lisa Brennauer and Mieke Kroeger, Canada’s Karol-Ann Canuel, Alena Amialiusik of Belarus and Italy’s Barbara Guarischi.

It was the third team crown in a row for which Brennauer had riden. She defends her individual time trial crown on Tuesday.

“It was a tough race. We have to stay to the limits,” Brennauer said. “We knew the course perfectly. It was about having the mindset for it. We felt we could defend the title. It was important to stay together as a team and know that we can win.”

Velocio led by 11.26 seconds after 10km but Boels Dolmans, powered by Britain’s Lizzie Armitstead, trimmed the margin to 6.08 seconds after 20km and moved 3.13 seconds in front after 30km.

Dutch rider Ellen Van Dyk struggled over the final climb for Boels Dolmans, which lost a rider early to a flat tire.

“She fought so hard,” said US teammate Evelyn Stevens. “She had to dig deep to stay with us.”

Velocio battled the closing ascent as well, Kroeger and Guarischi having fallen back as the last foursome powered to the final straightaway and pulled back enough just time for the victory.

“We knew how close it was,” Worrack said. “It was just on the edge. It was perfect.”

Velocio might not have the chance to ride for five in a row next year, however. Tema manager Kristy Scrymgeour has said this will be the final season for the squad.

“It’s hard to look so far into the future,” Brennauer said. “It’s a sad thing that’s happening. So we’re going to enjoy this.”

Stevens missed her chance at a fourth world title in a row, having ridden for Lululemon in prior years.

“I was lucky to be part of three gold medal teams. It was very special,” she said. “It’s bittersweet. But the margin was only six seconds. That’s almost nothing.”