Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ) went head-to-head with some of the best sprinters, and lead-out trains, in the world today in the finale of Scheldeprijs Vrouwen Elite (1.1) in what was just the second race of her road season.
The 22-year-old contested the 130.5km Belgian classic 24 hours after riding to 13th place at Ronde de Mouscron (1.1); her first road race of 2024 after being in action in recent months for the Irish track team.
Today, Gillespie was notable at the front of the peloton in the final 10km, holding her own as the lead-out trains vied for position. The speed ramped up and gradually reeled in two breakaway riders, Anneke Dijkstra (Volker Wessels) and 19-year-old Wilma Aintila (Lotto-Dstny).
Gillespie was battling for position with her team mates as they tried to keep their sprinter, Chiara Consonni, out of trouble and within striking distance for the final sprint into Schoten.
Advertisement
Irish champion Gillespie was the final lead-out rider for her Italian team leader and hit the front a just the right time, as the finish line came into view. However, Consonni lost the wheel a little and finished in 8th place, with Gillespie still taking 12th despite her lead-out efforts.
Related News
The race was won by Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx-Protime) - for the fourth time. Charlotte Kool (Team dsm-firmenich PostNL) was 2nd with Martina Fidanza (CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team) 3rd.
Lorena Wiebes was just way too quick today - Balsamo was looking across early as she didn't have it
Wiebes won ahead of Kool and Martina Fidanza with a great podium in 3rd#SPwomen #SP24 pic.twitter.com/DuxfOuyK0e
— Mathew Mitchell (@MatMitchell30) April 3, 2024
