The 2025 edition of the Antwerp Port Epic Ladies was defined by chaos and unpredictability. From the moment the race rolled out under grey skies, it was clear the elements would shape the outcome. Persistent rain, a course strewn with cobbles and gravel, and gusting crosswinds conspired to break the peloton apart long before the final sprint. Only a reduced group of around 25 riders made it to the final lap with any chance of victory.
The damage started early, with several riders caught out by punctures or crashes on the treacherous cobbled sections. The gravel tracks scattered around the 125km route around the Antwerp docks only added to the carnage. With the bunch strung out in crosswinds and constantly reacting to trouble ahead, many teams lost key support riders before the decisive phase began.
Heading into the final 20 kilometres, Uno-X Mobility, Fenix-Deceuninck and AG Insurance-Soudal all had multiple riders in the front group, working to keep the race under control. But with 10km to go, Marion Norbert-Riberolle launched a bold move. The Fenix-Deceuninck rider was joined by Kamilla Aaseb of Uno-X and Vera Tieleman of DD Group, forming a three-rider break that looked like it might contest the win.
That attack was neutralised inside the final 3km, and a last-ditch solo move from Tieleman over the bridge into Schengenplein was also shut down. From there, it was down to a sprint from a ragged lead group, with riders caked in mud and legs dulled by repeated accelerations and mishaps.
Susanne Andersen was delivered to the finale by her Uno-X teammates and launched her sprint just before the final bend. Clara Copponi surged up the right-hand side, drawing level in the final 50 metres, but Andersen held on by the narrowest of margins. Officials needed to consult the photo finish before confirming the result, with both riders left waiting anxiously for several minutes.
“It was really close, I didn’t know if I’d won until they told me,” Andersen said afterwards, visibly exhausted but elated. “The team rode so well, and Maria [Giulia Confalonieri] was incredible at the end. She got me into position perfectly, and I just had to give it everything.”
The win marks Andersen’s second of the season, following her triumph at the Ronde de Mouscron in April, and third of her career.
Copponi admitted the conditions made the race hard to control. “It was full gas all day and so many problems on the cobbles and gravel,” she said. “I thought maybe I had it, but Susanne was strong and it was a fair fight.”
Eilidh Shaw rounded out the podium in third for UAE Development Team, delivering her best result at this level to date. The British rider stayed out of trouble and timed her effort well in the finale. “That was brutal,” she said post-race. “There was no moment to relax and I’m just proud to be up there.”
Among the other top finishers, Maria Giulia Confalonieri played a key support role in getting Andersen to the line and came home 11th. For a race known for its rough conditions and unpredictability, the 2025 edition more than lived up to expectations.
2025 Antwerp Port Epic result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
