Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini showcased her strength by clinching a solo victory at the Trofeo Oro in Euro, just a day after her notable performance in finishing 2nd at Strade Bianche Women. Her victory marked the culmination of a determined progression throughout the race, amidst challenging conditions.
The race unfolded under rainy skies, with initial attempts at breakaways from Coryn Labecki and Maria Yapura Plaza. However, it was on the second and final ascent of the Fortezza climb that the race truly ignited.
As the peloton dwindled, only a select group of ten riders remained in contention. Among them were notable contenders such as Longo Borghini’s teammate Gaia Realini and a strong contingent from UAE Team ADQ, including Karlijn Swinkels, Silvia Persico, and Erica Magnaldi.
With strategic pacing from Realini, Longo Borghini seized the opportunity to launch her decisive attack. She launched a power counter-attack after a move from Kim Cadzow and successfully broke away from the group. Over the summit she powered towards the finish line, leaving her rivals trailing behind.
(Photo credit: SprintCyclingAgency)
Reflecting on her victory, Longo Borghini emphasised the significance of her team’s support amidst adverse weather conditions. “Today’s goal was to support the team and race for Gaia,” she explained. “But when the rain became intense, we swapped roles to ensure our team’s ultimate goal: winning.”
Her solo win not only demonstrated her individual strength but also affirmed her return to top form after a challenging period. “Breaking away from that group wasn’t easy,” Longo Borghini admitted, “but that makes me even more satisfied.”
In the pursuit group, Ruth Edwards of Human Powered Health surged to claim third place, marking her return to a professional cycling podium after a hiatus of 902 days. Edwards showcased her tactical prowess and a finishing kick, narrowly missing out on a second place to Karlijn Swinkels.
“I was really trying to motivate our group,” Edwards recounted, highlighting her efforts to rally her fellow riders in pursuit of Longo Borghini. “Having my teammates was race-saving,” she added, acknowledging the crucial role of teamwork in navigating the challenging race dynamics.
With Trofeo Oro in Euro serving as a testament to individual skill and team strategy, the focus now shifts to upcoming classics in the Netherlands. As riders regroup for Drentse Acht van Westerveld and Ronde van Drenthe, the stage is set for further displays of strength and determination in the world of women’s cycling.
2024 Trofeo Oro in Euro result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
