Chiara Consonni of UAE Team ADQ (but racing for their development squad here) seized a commanding win at the GP Eco-Struct, marking her second triumph of the season after breaking through last week at the GP Liberazione. The race unfolded over 135 kilometres around Wichelen, where Consonni outpaced her competitors in a spirited sprint finish.
The 24-year-old Italian outstripped Finland’s Anniina Ahtosalo of Uno-X Mobility and Poland’s Daria Pikulik from Human Powered Health, who claimed second and third places respectively. Dutch rider Scarlett Souren of the VolkerWessels Women’s Pro Cycling Team finished fourth, just ahead of Consonni’s teammate Sara Fiorin, and last year’s winner, Amalie Dideriksen, also riding for Uno-X Mobility.
The GP Eco-Struct, a Belgian one-day race categorised at UCI 1.1 level, featured flat laps around Wichelen with brief cobbled sectors. Despite the flat nature of the course allowing for breakaway attempts, none proved ultimately successful (although a trio did stay away for a while), leading to a large group approaching the finish line together. A late crash split the bunch up into groups but the favourites were all safely included in the front group.
Consonni, now celebrating her 16th UCI race win, dominated the final sprint. “This victory feels incredibly special, especially coming off a win last week,” Consonni shared post-race. “Our team worked perfectly together, and I felt strong throughout. Winning here in Wichelen, on this challenging course, just adds to the joy.”
Anniina Ahtosalo, who came in second, also commented on the race’s dynamics: “It was a tough race with the wind and the cobbles, but the final was about positioning and timing. I’m happy with my performance and the result.”
Daria Pikulik, who rounded out the podium, reflected on her consistent season: “I’ve had a strong season so far, and to add another podium here at the GP Eco-Struct is fantastic. It was a very fast and challenging sprint, but I’m pleased with how I executed it.”
2024 GP Eco-Struct result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Arianna Bonaita
