Cédrine Kerbaol added another triumph to her impressive season, taking victory at the Chrono “Roland bouge!” in Saint-Martin, Switzerland, on 1st September 2024. Despite the challenging conditions, which saw the race disrupted by a sudden storm, Kerbaol managed to stay composed and delivered a performance worthy of her pre-race favourite status.
The Breton rider, representing Ceratizit, dominated the 18.25 km time trial, finishing more than 30 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, teammate Marta Jaskulska. This win marks her seventh career victory and her fourth this season, adding to her earlier success at the Tour de France.
Kerbaol, who seemed unfazed by the severe weather, described the conditions as a motivator rather than a hindrance. “I think it motivated me more than anything else,” she said, reflecting on the storm that hit the race course as she was nearing the finish. The violent weather, including hail and strong gusts of wind, forced spectators and volunteers to seek shelter. Fellow competitor Léa Stern, who finished 10th, expressed her fear during the storm, particularly when dealing with the tricky lenticular wheels, stating, “With the lenticular wheel, it was really scary.”
The race, which this year gained UCI status for the first time, featured top international competitors, including several national champions. Race organiser Cédric Bugnon acknowledged the pressure of hosting such a prestigious field, remarking, “We have professionals from four different continents; it’s important we get everything right.”
Kerbaol now looks ahead to the Tour de Romandie Féminin, which begins later this week, as she continues her campaign in Switzerland.
2024 Chrono Roland Bouge
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