Elena Cecchini yesterday sprinted to second place in the UCI Women's WorldTour race, Ronde van Drenthe in the Netherlands. Cecchini instigated a four-rider move in the final kilometres that stayed away to the finish. The Italian road champion overtook Lucinda Brand (SUN) in the sprint, but couldn't hold off current world road champion Amelie Dideriksen (DLT) for the victory.
Cecchini's teammates were active throughout the race, and Mieke Kröger's solo move after the fourth cobblestone sector allowed all six CANYON//SRAM riders to make it through the seven pave sectors still in the front group. With an average close to 40km/hour the peloton never took it easy throughout the 152km race.
[powr-media-gallery id=c720008b_1489312664]
"The weather was unusually warm and without enough wind to create echelons, but as usual the peloton was big and really nervous," said Cecchini. "We were a bit unlucky cause Barbara (Guarischi) had a crash and she could have had an important role for the final. All the girls helped to bring me in a good position at the bottom of the VAMberg climb each time."
"On the third and final time over the climb, van Dijk (SUN) attacked and it created a group where I realised it was only Hannah (Barnes) and myself there. We sat in and after van Dijk was caught I told Hannah we had to focus on some specific girls, because we could not follow every attack. And then suddenly I just said to myself 'okay Elena, let's try something.'
[powr-media-gallery id=8cc733fe_1489313162]
"My attack brought Brand, Longo Borghini (WHT) and Dideriksen with me. It was a good combination. I knew Dideriksen was the fastest, but I hoped she had tired legs as the race was so long today. I think I did the right moves in the final, Amelie (Dideriksen) was just faster than me."
Cecchini, who's thirteenth place at spring classics opener Omloop Het Nieuwsblad last month created her some frustration said that yesterday she had felt good. "I think in that first race I was missing the race speed because yesterday I felt good. I'm really looking forward to the next races and to finally put someone of us onto the top step of the podium."
The team will race again today, in the UCI 1.2 Drentse Acht van Westerveld. With two cobblestone sectors and two ascents of the man-made VAMberg climb, another tough race is anticipated. Racing starts at 13:00 (CET).
Also in Blog
Known Unknowns: Part 10
The difficulties of Cav To The Tour
Mark Cavendish’s welcome return to victory has led to calls for the Briton to be selected for the Tour de France, including the #CavToTheTour push on Twitter. There is a considerable emotional appeal to him taking part, but is it practical?
Known Unknowns: Part 9
Will Roglič’s race-free preparation secure Tour de France victory?
Earlier this week l’Equipe reported that last year’s Tour runner-up Primož Roglič would have a two month break from racing prior to the French event. That approach goes against the trend of all recent Tour winners, yet Jumbo-Visma believes that this route is the best one to take. Is the team right?
Known Unknowns: Part 8
What will WADA find in British Cycling investigation?
The Richard Freeman investigation may have concluded, but there is a sense that questions about British Cycling may only be multiplying. As WADA begins to delve into the federation’s past, Conquista speaks to one whistleblower about his ongoing concerns and where he believes previous enquiries have fallen short.