Elisa Longo Borghini, the powerhouse from Team Lidl-Trek, showcased her formidable form once again following her victory at the Tour of Flanders, by clinching the win at De Brabantse Pijl. Starting from Lennik and tackling a demanding 134.9 km route peppered with 20 climbs, the race tested the riders through the picturesque yet challenging terrain around Overijse. The Italian champion made her decisive move on the last lap, leaving her main rival, Demi Vollering of Team SD Worx-Protime, in her wake on the Holstheide, a strategic climb that proved pivotal in the race’s outcome.
Vollering, the previous year’s sensation during the Ardennes classics, could not replicate her dominant form and had to settle for a distant second, despite showing aggressive racing tactics throughout the day. Meanwhile, Alexandra Manly sprinted to third place from the chasing group, marking a competitive end to the race.
Longo Borghini dedicated her win humorously to her husband, Jacopo Mosca, linking her success to the Moskesstraat climb, playfully named after him for the day. She credited her victory to her team’s strength and strategy, particularly highlighting the teamwork on the Moskesstraat, which set her up for the win. Looking ahead, Longo Borghini has set her sights on the upcoming Liège-Bastogne-Liège, her main spring goal, although she plans to support her teammates Shirin van Anrooij and Gaia Realini in the Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne, respectively.
(Photo credit:Luc Claessen/Getty Images)
Demi Vollering expressed contentment with her preparation for the Ardennes but acknowledged that the race outcomes have not yet reflected her form. Emphasising calmness in not her result, Vollering looks forward to her main objectives in the coming weeks, hinting at high expectations for the Ardennes classics.
De Brabantse Pijl served as a critical transition from the Flemish to the Ardennes classics, with riders adjusting to the shift from cobblestones to climbs. The race, celebrated for blending elements of both classic types, remains a cherished fixture on the cycling calendar, offering a unique challenge to the peloton and a preview of the fierce battles to unfold in the Ardennes.
2024 Women’s Brabantse Pijl result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Getty
