Lorena Wiebes claimed her fourth consecutive victory at the Ronde van Drenthe, showcasing her sprinting prowess on the challenging terrain of the VAM-berg. The Dutch cyclist demonstrated her dominance as she crossed the finish line ahead of her competitors in a reduced peloton. Elisa Balsamo secured second place, while Puck Pieterse took the third spot.
The men’s race of the Ronde van Drenthe did not take place this year due to various issues, including rising costs and safety concerns. However, the women’s race proceeded as planned, albeit with alterations to the route due to logistical challenges.
The competition kicked off in Beilen, with the route featuring challenging climbs such as the Atteropad, Mount VAM Pad, and the Dak van Drenthe, culminating in the ascent of the VAM-berg, where the finish line awaited the cyclists after completing the loop five times.
Valerie Demey initiated an early solo breakaway, establishing a significant lead of over a minute. Despite fluctuations in the gap, Demey maintained her advantage until the peloton eventually reeled her in with 38 kilometres remaining.
Puck Pieterse ignited the race’s intensity with a powerful attack on the penultimate ascent of the VAM-berg, creating a select group of eight riders, including Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Balsamo. However, the peloton regrouped as the race approached its climax.
As the cyclists approached the final kilometres, teams positioned themselves for the anticipated sprint finish. Lorena Wiebes, supported by her teammates, positioned herself expertly and launched a decisive sprint on the cobbled climb, leaving her rivals trailing behind. With an impressive display of strength, Wiebes secured her fourth consecutive victory at the Ronde van Drenthe.
Wiebes expressed her satisfaction with the win, emphasising the importance of the race to her and praising her team’s efforts in executing their strategy effectively. She reflected on the changes to the race route and the challenges posed by the windy conditions but remained focused on her goal of claiming victory.
2024 Ronde van Drenthe result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Getty Images
