Karlijn Swinkels secured ninth place today at Dwars door Vlaanderen / A travers la Flandre, following a committed and aggressive performance from UAE Team ADQ throughout the race.
After 128.8 kilometers starting and finishing in Waregem, victory went to Marlen Reusser (Movistar Team), who launched a decisive move together with Demi Vollering (FDJ-SUEZ). Lieke Nooijen (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) managed to bridge across late in the race, finishing third after narrowly missing the chance to outsmart the leading duo.
Behind them, Swinkels sprinted to ninth place from the first chasing group, a result that only partially reflects the team’s strong collective effort and race execution.
The day initially unfolded with a breakaway of seven riders, which was reeled in by the peloton with around 44 kilometers to go. Soon after, Vollering sparked a dangerous move on the first ascent of the Nokereberg, forming a group of four riders. Thanks to the determined work of UAE Team ADQ, the gap was successfully closed.
Shortly after, Reusser attacked solo, with Vollering once again bridging across. UAE Team ADQ found itself in a position of numerical strength in the chasing group and committed fully to the pursuit. Elisa Longo Borghini, returning to racing today after illness had sidelined her since Sanremo, alongside Silvia Persico, Karlijn Swinkels, and Eleonora Gasparrini, took turns at the front to reduce the gap.
Despite limited cooperation from other teams, the group managed to bring the leaders back to within just five seconds. However, the final junction proved just out of reach, and the effort ultimately took its toll.
In the closing kilometers, Swinkels was the only UAE Team ADQ rider able to remain in the first chasing group, sealing another solid top-ten finish.
A promising performance overall, offering encouraging signs ahead of the Tour of Flanders next Sunday.
(ph. Getty Sport)
