A performance of strength, strategy, and heart: Elisa Longo Borghini claimed a brilliant third place at La Flèche Wallonne Féminine, confirming her excellent form and capping off a great team effort by UAE Team ADQ.
The race covered 140.7 km from start to finish in Huy, with the legendary Mur de Huy once again proving decisive, lined with passionate fans. After the solo breakaway attempt by Cédrine Kerbaol (EF Education–Cannondale) was reeled in, the riders from UAE Team ADQ moved to the front of the bunch to position their leader perfectly for the final climb.
In the thrilling finale, it was the explosive power of cyclocross star Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) that made the difference, as she edged out Demi Vollering (FDJ–Suez) and Elisa Longo Borghini, who snatched third place with a final surge past Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon//SRAM Zondacrypto).
Speaking after the race, Elisa Longo Borghini said: “I’m happy with this third place. Today I really want to thank all my teammates—they did an amazing job and supported me perfectly, keeping me in the front over all the climbs, especially on the final run-in to the Mur de Huy. Maybe I faded a bit in the last 100 meters, but I managed to hold onto the podium. I’m feeling good, and this gives me confidence for Liège-Bastogne-Liège next Sunday.”
(ph. @gettysport)
