The fourth edition of the Tre Valli Varesine Women’s race unfolded under miserable conditions as torrential rain led to route changes and difficult racing throughout. Originally scheduled for 136.3km, the race was shortened after organisers removed two laps of the Varese circuit due to the weather. Despite the adjustments, the course remained treacherous, with the rain continuing to pour, leaving the roads slick and the riders battling the elements.
From the outset, several riders attempted early attacks, with Liane Lippert, the defending champion, making her presence known. However, the most significant move came 75km from the finish, when a breakaway of seven riders formed. This group included Mareille Meijering, Flora Perkins, Ruth Edwards, Francesca Barale, Silvia Persico, Joscelin Lowden, and Monica Trinca Colonel, who quickly built up a lead of over a minute. With worsening conditions, another lap was removed, and the riders now faced 40km to the finish.
As the break approached the final 25km, the peloton, led by Urška Žigart, started closing the gap. Meijering was the first to attack from the break, but her effort soon fizzled out, and the breakaway was eventually caught. A series of counter-attacks followed, with Juliette Labous and Lippert both trying to break free, but it was Julie Bego who launched the most significant move.
With just 15km remaining, Bego attacked on the Montello climb, gaining a small gap. However, her effort didn’t last, and a group of chasers, including Kerbaol and Persico, quickly caught her. On the final ascent of the Salita dei Ronchi, Kerbaol made her move, leaving Persico behind as she powered towards the finish.
Lippert, realising the danger, bridged across to Persico, but the duo couldn’t catch the flying Frenchwoman. In the sprint for second, Persico managed to hold off Lippert, taking the runner-up spot 20 seconds behind Kerbaol, who crossed the line with her arms aloft.
After securing her solo win, Cédrine Kerbaol reflected on a challenging race. “It wasn’t easy today,” she admitted, acknowledging the impact of the weather. “We had a lot of rain and cold all day, and it was a very eventful race. I felt good, though, and I knew I had to stay alert to get into the breakaway at the right time. When I was with Silvia Persico, I knew we could build a good margin.”
Kerbaol went on to explain her decisive move in the final kilometres. “Honestly, I was a bit afraid of Persico. I expected her to attack, so I made my move first. Once I managed to drop her, I pushed hard all the way to the finish.”
Silvia Persico, who finished second after a tough battle with Lippert, admitted that Kerbaol’s strength on the final climb was too much. “I tried to hang on, but she was just too strong,” Persico said. “In the end, I’m happy with second, but it was a very tough day.”
Defending champion Liane Lippert, who finished third, also expressed her frustration at not being able to close the gap. “I gave it everything to try to catch them, but with the conditions and how strong Cédrine was today, it just wasn’t possible. It was a tough race, but I’m pleased with my effort.”
2024 Women’s Tre Valli Varesine result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Ossola
