Kristen Faulkner continues to amaze in Europe with a top 10 result at Tour of Flanders, considered the most competitive and storied race on the WorldTour calendar.
“We had another good race today, showing that we are up there on the world tour stage,” team director Rachel Hedderman said. “It was a fantastic top 10 from Kristen, and we’re getting closer and closer to the podium.”
With 13 climbs and five cobbled sections, positioning was essential to surviving the 152km race that was won by European champion Annemiek van Vleuten.
Photo/Twila Muzzi
“The team rode together better today than we have all season,” Faulkner said. “Our positioning continues to improve every race. The climbs got harder and harder throughout the race, and so I just focused on one climb at a time. I entered the Oude Kwaremont a bit too far to the back when I fell from the front group.
“I managed to finish the Paterberg in the top three of my group, but it came back together in the final stretch. Rachel was very helpful in helping me navigate the end of the race and pointing out critical points throughout the day. Overall, it was an incredibly tough race, and I am really proud of how the team communicated and worked together.”
Next up for the Team TIBCO Silicon Valley Bank team is Brabantse Pijl on April 14. The race will be available to watch live on FloBikes in US, Canada, and Australia. European and Asian fans can watch via GCN+/Eurosport.