CANYON//SRAM Racing: Lisa Brennauer wins stage five in Tiel

Image: ©Velofocus

Lisa Brennauer has sprinted to victory yesterday in the penultimate stage at Boels Ladies Tour in Tiel, Netherlands. Brennauer won the bunch sprint ahead of Loren Rowney (OGE) and Jolien D'Hoore (WHT) to take CANYON//SRAM Racing's third podium of the tour.

The 115km fifth stage of the Dutch tour was around the city of Tiel. Narrow roads and strong winds created plenty of action during the stage. Brennauer's team mate Trixi Worrack was in a two-rider breakaway around 50km into the stage that was eventually reeled in while Barbara Guarischi also tried to create moves. All of the CANYON//SRAM Racing team tried hard several times to break the peloton in the crosswinds and represent in the breakaways.

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Following the win Brennauer revealed the team plan. "We've been racing as a unit all week. Today we wanted to not lose time on the general classification and also somehow create a situation for a stage victory."

In the final 20 kilometres Chantal Hoffmann's (LBL) attack created a move with Thea Thorsen (HPU) and Chanella Stougje (PHV). "When there was a break of three riders in the last 15km we decided to take the initiative to close the gap and be ready for a bunch sprint. We caught them with around 3km to go. Our team created a situation from where we could win the stage."

"The team was working so strong and very hard to bring the break back and in the end they did an awesome lead out for me. It was a headwind final so I stayed on Elena's (Cecchini) wheel as long as possible but I still opened up the sprint first. The team did a really great job and I'm so happy we could take this victory. It was really a great team effort."

The final stage of the Dutch tour is in the area of Valkenburg, home of the 2012 UCI Road World Championships. The hilly 119km stage starts at 13:00 (CEST) and is guaranteed to be full of action with the finish on top of the Cauberg climb. Brennauer now moves into fourth on the general classification, 40 seconds behind leader Chantal Blaak (DLT). The stage can be followed on the team's Twitter @WMNcycling and using #BRLT16.

by Beth Duryea / duryea@wmncycling.com

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