Eleonora Gasparrini secured a strong fourth place at the Classic Lorient Agglomération in France, after an impressive and attacking performance by the entire UAE Team L’IMAD.
The 172.6-kilometre race, starting and finishing in Plouay, was characterised by a series of attacks in the closing stages, with the UAE Team L’IMAD riders playing an active role throughout the race.
After the early breakaway was brought back, several riders tried to make the difference. Maeva Squiban was the first to launch an attack, riding solo as she attempted to anticipate the final climb.
With just over six kilometres remaining, French national champion Celia Gery (FDJ-Suez) took the initiative, bridging across to Squiban before immediately pushing on again on the climb.
Gasparrini showed great strength to stay on the French rider’s wheel. The two then worked together and tried to extend their advantage over the final part of the climb and into the following descent.
The chasing group eventually managed to close the gap, bringing the best riders back together for a sprint finish.
Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) took the victory, while Gasparrini crossed the line in an excellent fourth place. Karlijn Swinkels also delivered a solid performance, finishing 11th, just outside the top 10.
The result confirms another strong team performance from UAE Team L’IMAD, with the squad once again showing an aggressive and courageous approach from start to finish.
(ph. Getty Sport)
