A cohesive effort delivers Trek-Segafredo a win in their first race of 2022
There is a myth in pro cycling that world champions often struggle after winning the rainbow jersey. But Trek-Segafredo showed teamwork is the best remedy to put such a spell to rest.
In a repeat of the 2021 World Championships in Leuven, except this time it was the Trek-Segafredo colors leading the race, Elisa Longo-Borghini delivered a perfect lead-out as Elisa Balsamo sprinted to victory in Stage one at Setmana Ciclista Valenciana.
While Balsamo made good on the Team’s first race of the season, it was a cohesive, selfless effort that made it possible. Ellen van Dijk’s and Elisa Longo Borghini’s massive efforts pulled back a late dangerous move that included the always threatening Annemiek van Vleuten, and set up a reduced bunch sprint.
Balsamo only had to hit the accelerator in the final few hundred meters. When she did, she easily pulled away to take the win by a few bike lengths.
Stay tuned. More to come!
Nothing tastier than rainbow punch