Team TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank capped off a busy spring classics campaign today at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the oldest and one of the most challenging day races on the Women’s World Tour calendar.
“I’m really happy with how today went,” Hedderman said. “We saw some awesome teamwork out there today. It’s been a long block of races with some extremely hard racing, and I think that showed a little bit today. We had some tired riders, but everyone gave it everything they had.”
Before the 141km race, the team identified key points along the hilly route on which to place riders at the front.
Emily Newsom (left) patrols the front of the race. Photo/Twila Muzzi
“It was really cool to see the riders go around some hairpin corners and see three or four riders up at the front, riding together,” Hedderman said. “I’m super happy the team rode together as one. Nina (Kessler) and Tanja (Erath) did a great lead out to the base of the first climb.”
Kristen Faulkner was Team TIBCO Silicon-Valley Bank’s top finisher, claiming 24th place after a crash took her out of contention in the front group.
“Unfortunately, we had a couple of crashes that derailed things a little bit and stopped us from getting the result we were hoping for,” Hedderman added. “Overall, I think things are heading in the right direction even if we didn’t have the results to show for it today.”
The riders will return home for some much-needed rest and recovery before they gear up for the summer.