Sabrina Stultiens finished eighteenth in Wednesday’s Flèche Wallone (first Liv Racing rider). From a team perspective it may have been a disappointment, but not from a personal perspective. Stultiens’ performance was another confirmation that she is improving step by step. “It’s nice to see what I can do, the difference with the top is only a few percent”, she said.
“The Flèche Wallonne is a tough race. Not only because of the Mur de Huy; there are plenty of other steep climbs in it. I felt pretty strong the entire race. I also got good support from the team. My confidence in a good result grew with each kilometre”, according to Stultiens.
“At the decisive moment, on the penultimate climb of the Côte du Chemin des Gueuses, I just couldn’t keep up. There were four of us, including Soraya Paladin. We tried to reconnect, but unfortunately the pace did not decrease at the front, probably because there was another rider ahead. Then it was just a matter of riding as hard as possible up the Mur de Huy and getting the highest possible result.”
Stultiens is feeling good. “I’m actually doing quite well, it’s nice getting confirmation for being on the right track.” On Sunday she wants to be strong again, in Liège-Bastogne-Liège to be precise. “This edition will be tougher than last year’s because of the slightly modified course. We are still making the team plans. My main role will probably be to support Soraya Paladin for as long as possible.”
Photo credits: Cor Vos