After last year’s victory, Erica Magnaldi once again proved to be a key contender at the Grand Prix Féminin de Chambéry in France, securing an impressive second place behind France’s Célia Gery (FDJ United – SUEZ).
The 120.1 km race, starting and finishing in Chambéry, was particularly demanding due to intense heat, making the day even more challenging for the riders. UAE Team ADQ, supported by several young athletes from the UAE Development Team, delivered a strong performance, focusing on positioning ahead of the decisive final climb.
It was on that last ascent that the race selection took shape, with a group of seven riders going clear, including European Gravel Champion Erica Magnaldi. The group stayed together until the final 500 meters, when Célia Gery launched her winning attack. Behind her, Magnaldi timed her effort well to secure a strong second place.
Erica Magnaldi commented: “It was a really tough race, as always. The competition was of a very high standard. There was a big shake-up on every lap, with AG Insurance setting a strong pace. In the final stretch, I wasn’t quite sure how best to play my cards because I was left on my own with four FDJ riders, three AG Insurance riders and a few others, but I tried to stay on the wheels of those I knew were the strongest riders, particularly Gery, and to hang on. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to keep up with her right to the finish line, but I’m still happy with my second place because she proved herself to be a winning athlete.”
