After a very promising start to the season, 18-year-old German rider Magdalena Leis, representing the UAE Development Team, claimed an impressive second place at the Gran Premio della Liberazione Donne, held in the iconic setting of the Terme di Caracalla in Rome.
Italian rider Giada Silo finished in tenth place.
The race, covering 96 kilometers over 16 laps of the technical circuit, came alive in the final stages thanks to an attacking move initiated by Leis together with Switzerland’s Jasmin Liechti (NEXETIS) and her teammate Fee Knaven. An earlier move had also included another rider, who was later dropped.
Following a well-controlled opening phase by the team – with Giada Silo and Milana Ushakova doing an excellent job at the front of the peloton – the decisive breakaway formed with a sharp and well-timed attack. Leis, Knaven and Liechti quickly opened a gap of around 30 seconds, maintaining a very high pace on the demanding circuit.
Fee Knaven played a key role, working selflessly for her younger teammate. However, at the bell lap, the Dutch rider lost contact, leaving Leis and Liechti alone at the front.
In the final lap, the Swiss rider’s experience proved decisive, as her strong acceleration created the winning move. Magdalena Leis fought hard to secure an excellent second place on one of the most iconic finishes on the historical heart of Rome.
Speaking after her first podium with UAE Development Team, Magdalena Leis said: “The team did a great job from the start. In the final, Fee Knaven and I attacked, and on the last lap we were just two riders left in front. I tried to hold on, but the pace was very high and I couldn’t match the final attack. I’m a bit disappointed, but it’s still a great result for me and for the team, and a valuable experience.”
