Lara Gillespie and UAE Team ADQ wrapped up the Tour de Pologne Women with another podium finish as the Irish champion sprinted to third place on the third and final stage, a 101.3km route from Janowiec to Lublin.
The result also secured Gillespie third place in the final general classification, completing a prestigious overall podium behind Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Balsamo – the same order as the final stage.
Once again, UAE Team ADQ delivered a strong collective performance, controlling the race throughout the day and keeping everything under control for its leader. The day’s two-rider breakaway was reeled in with just a few kilometres remaining, setting up the expected bunch sprint.
In the closing kilometres, Alena Amialiusik and Eleonora Gasparrini worked for the lead-out, positioning Gillespie in the first position of the group for the final sprint. The Irish champion finished strongly to claim another podium result and cap off a consistent performance throughout the race.
UAE Team ADQ leaves the Tour de Pologne Women with plenty of positives, highlighted by two stage podiums for Lara Gillespie and an excellent third place overall in the general classification.
Lara Gillespie said: “I really enjoyed these days with the team. Of course, we didn’t have the best of luck, getting caught behind a crash in the opening stage sprint and then having to change bikes in the final yesterday. Despite that, we raced as a real team every single day, fighting together for every position. Today I didn’t have my best legs, but that’s part of racing. I’m really grateful to all the girls for their incredible work, the perfect timing in the lead-outs, and the progress we’re continuing to make together as a team.”
(ph. Andrzej Gucwa)
