Karlijn Swinkels wins the Trofeo Oro in Euro. Third place for Dominika Wlodarczyk, while Silvia Persico finishes eighth. A flawless team performance by our riders, who once again showed their strength and unity, bouncing back impressively after a tough day at Strade Bianche.
The 106.8 km race started and finished in Cinquale di Montignoso. The course featured five laps on a flat circuit before the final two laps, which included the challenging climb of La Fortezza.
As expected, the race was decided in these final two laps. UAE Team ADQ took control, setting a fierce pace on the climb and shaping the lead group, which included Persico, Magnaldi, Wlodarczyk, and Swinkels.
On the final ascent, the decisive move came: Karlijn Swinkels, Dominika Wlodarczyk, and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) broke away, working together to extend their advantage over the chasing group.
In the end, the three riders contested the victory in a sprint. The Polish champion led out, but Swinkels was flawless in the final meters, outsprinting her compatriot Pieterse to take a brilliant win.
After the race, Karlijn Swinkels commented: “Last year, I came close to winning here, but this time I gave it my all. Everything was perfect: first, Erica Magnaldi went on the attack, then, on the final climb, my teammates set an incredible pace to split the group. Dominika attacked, and the three of us got away. We worked well together, and in the end, I had to win to finish this day in the best possible way and thank the whole team.”
(ph. @gettysport)
