Serbian cyclist Jelena Eric claimed victory in the final stage of the Baloise Ladies Tour, despite the notable absence of four-time stage winner, Charlotte Kool. Kool, the 24-year-old Dutch rider from Team dsm-firmenich, fell ill overnight and withdrew from the race. She had previously won the prologue and was decisively the fastest in the first three sprint stages, leaving her fifth in the overall standings.
However, the overall victory was secured by Lucinda Brand, who held a comfortable lead from the previous day’s time trial. The 121-kilometre final race around Deinze comprised of seven local 17-kilometre laps and was keenly contested. A breakaway group including Aniek van Alphen, Alice Maria Arzuffi, Femke de Vries, and Jelena Eric held off a late challenge from the peloton, with Eric emerging victorious.
Race Photos
