UAE Team ADQ’s Irish sprinter Lara Gillespie claimed third place in the final sprint of Le Samyn des Dames, after 122 km of racing from Quaregnon to Dour, Belgium.
Following her second-place finish at Omloop van het Hageland last Sunday, Gillespie once again showcased her excellent form with another strong performance. The race was tightly controlled, with UAE Team ADQ frequently leading the pack. Unfortunately, Lizzie Holden was caught in a crash.
In the final sprint, a reduced group contested the victory, with European Champion Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx – Protime) taking a dominant win, ahead of Switzerland’s Linda Zanetti (Uno-X Mobility) and Lara Gillespie, who stepped onto the podium once again.
Lara Gillespie’s post-race reaction: “I am truly amazed by this team: the girls, the dynamic, the unity. We genuinely believe in each other, we ride together and for each other with full conviction. The race was tough, but I loved it! Unfortunately, in the last 7km, there was nearly a crash, and I got stuck at the back, going full gas. I entered the last cobbles too far behind and had to close the gap to the leaders solo. I made it to the front group just in time for the sprint! An epic day out. So happy to be part of this team! Huge thanks to Chez, Davide, all the mechanics, all the staff, and my amazing teammates Hannah, Lizzie, Elynor, Febe, Tereza, and Sofie. You are all incredible!”
(ph. Getty Sport)
