Marta Lach secured her first win of the 2024 season at the prestigious Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich in Luxembourg. The race is technically a new addition to the calendar but really just a split-out version of the old Festival Elsy Jacobs featured a demanding 112-kilometre route laden with challenging hills and concluding with several punishing ascents.
From the race’s onset, the pace was dictated by the World Tour teams, quickly thinning the main group. By the midpoint, a significant breakaway had formed including Lach from Ceratizit-WNT, alongside Christine Majerus and Marie Schreiber from Team SD Worx – Protime, with Marte Berg Edseth and Katrine Aalerud from Uno-X Mobility completing the group.
Despite the efforts of the Cofidis and VolkerWessels teams leading the chase, the breakaway’s advantage only expanded. As the race reached its climax, the cooperation among the leaders held firm until the sprint finish. Lach dominated the sprint, clinching a resounding victory, her first of the year. Majerus finished second, adding a local flavour to the podium, with Aalerud in third.
After her win, Lach shared her excitement, “Today was incredible. To win here, against such a strong field and on such a tough course, it really feels amazing. This win is a great reflection of our team’s effort and strategy.”
(Photo credit: DucalCycling)
This year, the Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich transitioned from a stage race to two one-day events. Despite this change and a downgrade from the UCI Pro Series to the lowest one-day race level, the race has maintained its competitive edge and continues to attract top international talent, confirmed by its live broadcast coverage.
The festival will continue with another race set in Luxembourg City tomorrow, promising more action.
2024 Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich
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