In a striking showdown at the Grote Prijs Beerens in Aartselaar, Chiara Consonni of UAE Team ADQ’s development squad (the development team borrowed Consonni from the main team for this race) emerged as the victor. The 130-kilometre course, which included six laps around a mostly flat circuit, provided a stage for Consonni to demonstrate her sprinting prowess. She finished ahead of fellow Italian Martina Fidanza from Ceratizit-WNT and Dutch rider Sofie van Rooijen of Parkhotel Valkenburg. Marthe Truyen of Fenix-Deceuninck clinched the fourth spot, making her the top Belgian finisher.
A breakaway group, including Audrey De Keersmaeker from the De Ceuster cycling team, initiated the action around 70 kilometres from the finish. They were joined by Marthe Truyen, Maria Martins, Beatrice Caudera, Julia Kopecky, April Tacey, Quinty Schoens, and Arianna Fidanza.
Ceratizit and Fenix-Deceuninck deliberately eased the chase to allow UAE, who were invested in setting up Consonni for a sprint finish, to close the gap for them. The leading group, who at one point had a one-minute advantage, were caught just before the start of the final lap. Deborah Veerman made a valiant solo attempt in the final kilometres but was reeled in about three kilometres from the finish.
In the sprint finale, it was Ceratizit who took control to position Martina Fidanza for a win. However, Consonni outpaced her, claiming her first victory since her last stage win at the Giro Donne around two months ago. Fidanza had to settle for second place, followed by van Rooijen and Truyen, who managed to secure a high place after having been in the breakaway.
With this win, Consonni continues UAE Team ADQ’s impressive track record, supported by a strong development team. Her victory indicates a promising ascent in women’s cycling, especially as it comes on the heels of her previous Giro Donne stage win.
2023 GP Beerens result
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