The Tour de l’Ardèche stage today was the most important in the GC so far. Starting at 13:00 in a warm 28°C, Canadian Olivia Baril of the UAE team snatched the day’s first sprint, shadowed by teammate Lara Gillespie and Italy’s Silvia Zanardi. By 7.5km, the Irish prodigy, Gillespie, dominated the inaugural rush with Italians Giorgia Vettorello and Zanardi close behind. Gillespie’s reign continued, but by 18km, the race’s uphill trajectory caused the pack to split. Dutch rider, Maaike Colje, was the first to crest the significant ascent, trailed by Marta Cavalli, Coralie Demay, and Baril.
Around 30 km in, Paraguayan Agua Marina Espinola’s breakaway stole attention. She was soon joined by American Natalie Quinn. However, Quinn later edged ahead, creating a 20-second lead, with the peloton trailing by 1’30″. Another American, Heidi Franz, joined, and by 44 km, the trio’s lead was at 1’30″. The peloton’s acceleration meant Espinola lagged. The initial breakaway dissolved 15 km from the finish under the pace in the bunch by FDJ. Italians Cavalli and Erica Magnaldi took the lead, eventually finishing first and second.
Post-race, St-Michel-Mavic-Auber 93’s Coralie Demay and Camille Fahy, facing prior setbacks, navigated a favourable Mont Lozère finish. Demay ended 9th overall, just three seconds from the top 10, while Fahy, finishing 13th, is 16th overall. Despite challenges, both riders remain optimistic. Fahy remarked, “Our placements are noteworthy despite obstacles.” Demay added, “We have more to achieve.”
Marta Cavalli’s win on Monte Lozere, places her at a great advantage in the general classification against Erica Magnaldi. Meanwhile, Silvia Zanardi kept her points lead, and Alena Ivanchenko secured the youth jersey for now.
2023 Tour de l’Ardeche Stage 5 result
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