Maaike Boogaard sprinted to a narrow victory at the Grand Prix International d’Isbergues – Pas de Calais Féminin, taking her first win of the season for AG Insurance-Soudal and first since the 2022 Omloop van Borsele. After 131.6 kilometres of racing through the rolling terrain of the Pas-de-Calais department, Boogaard outsprinted Victoire Berteau and Alba Teruel in the final stretch to secure the win.
Speaking after the race, the team’s sports director, Stijn Steels, praised both the team’s efforts and Boogaard’s strength throughout the day. “The team performed exceptionally well today. In every move, there was always at least one of us involved, and we had control throughout the race,” he explained. He went on to highlight Boogaard’s pivotal role, particularly in the final 13 kilometres, when a breakaway group of six formed and Boogaard managed to stay in the lead. “Her sprint was truly impressive. This victory is well-deserved; for me, she was the strongest rider in the race today.”
The race, held in northern France, featured a challenging route that included the climbs of Côte de Heuchin and Côte de Lisbourg. Despite these difficulties, Boogaard handled the race with composure, staying at the front during key moments.
For the 26-year-old Boogaard, this victory adds to her list of accomplishments, following a strong fourth-place finish at the Baloise Ladies Tour earlier in the season. It also marks her first major victory since winning the EPZ Omloop van Borsele in 2022.
Boogaard’s win at Isbergues makes her the second Dutch rider to triumph in this race, following Charlotte Kool’s win in 2021.
Photo Credit: Getty2024 GP d’Isbergues Femmes result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
