Karlijn Swinkels delivered a powerful performance at the 2024 Women’s Grand Prix de Wallonie, sprinting to victory at the end of a gruelling 139km race from Blegny to the Citadelle de Namur. The Dutch rider for UAE Team ADQ edged out Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini and Anouska Koster in a tough finish that tested the best climbers and sprinters in the peloton.
The race got off to a relatively controlled start, but things heated up on the Côte de Trasenter. Despite the early climbs fragmenting the peloton, no serious breakaways formed until later in the race. A dangerous group of five riders finally made their move in the second half, with Ilse Pluimers, Nina Buijsman, Alena Amialiusik, Alison Jackson, and Brodie Chapman going clear. With Movistar missing the split, they took up the chase, bringing the breakaway back with 23km to go.
As the peloton approached the Côte du Tienne-aux-Pierres, the attacking began in earnest. Longo Borghini set the pace on the climb, causing the group to splinter, and her teammate Gaia Realini seized the opportunity to launch a solo attack. The diminutive climber quickly gained a 45-second lead, but her hopes were dashed when FDJ-Suez led a fierce chase to reel her in with just 7km remaining.
On the final climb up the cobbled Citadel of Namur, the race entered its most decisive phase. Julie Bego attempted a move, but her effort was quickly neutralised. Realini, still eager to make an impact, tried one last push, but the peloton stayed tight. Instead, Realini worked to position Longo Borghini for the sprint, guiding her into the final corner right behind Swinkels.
In an all-out dash to the line, Swinkels was first to exit the bend and launched her sprint without hesitation. Giro winner, Elia Longo Borghini, well-positioned on her wheel, looked set to challenge for her sixth win of the year. But Swinkels had too much power, holding off the Italian and crossing the line first, much to her own delight.
Speaking after the race, Swinkels credited her teammates for their efforts throughout the day. “The girls did an amazing job today,” she said. “Everyone was committed to the day’s plan. The only thing I had to do was to try to stay calm and play my cards right in the final. I’m happy to have completed the girls’ work in the finale in the best possible way.”
Anouska Koster completed the podium in third, while Dutch rider Amber Kraak finished just off the podium in fourth. Belgian hopes were carried by Justine Ghekiere and Margot Vanpachtenbeke, who came in fifth and sixth respectively.
This victory marks Swinkels’ first win of the season, and she now joins the ranks of previous winners, including Marta Lach in 2023 and Julie De Wilde, who took the inaugural edition in 2022.
2024 St Feuillien Grand Prix de Wallonie result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Getty
