Five Races in 2021, Five top-tens for the ‘Blues’
The Serbian, in the reduced sprint of the Belgian event – in which Balsamo (Valcar) prevailed – the French rider Biannic was also present in the decisive selection of 18 riders.
Elisa Balsamo (VAL) took the sprint, ahead of Jolien d’Hoore (SDW) and Marianne Vos (TJV), in the 1st edition of the GP Oetingen (UCI 1.2). Contested over ten laps (117.5 km) at a complicated circuit with two sections of pavé and, especially, the Bergstraat level (500m at 8.5% gradient).
Movistar Team, which arrived here spurred on by the good results of the last few races, remained in the top-ten for one more race thanks to Jelena Erić’s 8th place. The Serbian based in Alicante was very attentive in the second half of the race to filter in a decisive selection of 18 riders, caused by a change of pace from Jumbo-Visma and the successive climbs, and in which Aude Biannic was also present.
The French rider (14th), who lost contact on the penultimate lap, took advantage of a break to re-enter and escape for several kilometres with Faulkner (TIB), an adventure that was neutralised before the decisive sprint.
The ‘telephone lines’ will continue in Belgium to play, on Wednesday 17th, the Nokere Koerse (UCI ProSeries), with Emma Norsgaard back in action.
Cover image (c): Photo Gomez Sport