The first edition of Milano-Sanremo Women will forever be etched in the memories of cycling fans, thanks to the bold and powerful attack of Elisa Longo Borghini. She went all in for victory, only to be caught just over 100 meters from the finish line.
It was a historic day for women’s cycling, marking the long-awaited return of a Sanremo race for women after 20 years. The peloton tackled a 156 km course from Genoa to Sanremo, bringing the legendary race back to life.
UAE Team ADQ played an active role, with Squiban, Gasparrini, and Amialiusik working hard in the early part of the race. On the Cipressa climb, Erica Magnaldi pushed the pace at the front, with team leader Longo Borghini right on her wheel.
Polish champion Dominika Wlodarczyk also played a crucial role, leading the Italian champion to the front at the foot of the Poggio – the race’s final and decisive climb. An acceleration by Kasia Niewiadoma then whittled down the peloton, leaving a select group of about fifteen riders to battle it out in the finale.
Knowing she wouldn’t stand a chance in a sprint, Elisa Longo Borghini did what she had to do: attack. With just over two kilometers to go, right after the descent of the Poggio, the Italian champion launched a decisive move, quickly opening a gap.
Only the relentless work of world champion Lotte Kopecky, in support of her teammate Lorena Wiebes – who went on to win the sprint – put an end to Elisa’s dream of victory. But the most beautiful and thrilling move of the day was undoubtedly hers.
(ph. @gettysport)
