Lara Gillespie goes close to first victory of season in Belgium | Video

Femke Gerritse of Team SD Worx-Protime just about holds off Ireland's Lara Gillespie of Team UAE Team ADQ for victory at Fenix Omloop van het Hageland (Photo: Rhode Van Elsen-Getty Images)

Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ) took her first World Tour podium last month at UAE Tour and now the Irish rider has gone very close to her first victory of the 2025 road season.

She placed 2nd in Fenix Omloop van het Hageland (1.1) in Belgium today after 135.6km of racing, and was just pipped for the win by Femke Gerritse (Team SD Worx - Protime), a 23-year-old from the Netherlands.

Gerritse went early in the sprint, from a seven-rider breakaway, a stole a bit of a march on Gillespie; the Irish rider gaining ground rapidly on her Dutch rival but just about coming up short to pass her before the line.

Gillespie, who won the elimination race at the recent elite European Track Championships in Belgium, initially made a 20-rider lead group today, a course litter with cobble sectors. From that group, just seven went to the line, 35 seconds ahead of the bunch.

“It was a really positive day. My team did an incredible job throughout the race, and I’m so grateful for the support from my teammates," said Gillespie.

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"In the sprint, I was feeling great, but I made a small mistake and just missed out on the win. Of course, there’s a bit of disappointment, but it’s still a strong result, and I’m happy to feel better and better with every race.”

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