Sofia Bertizzolo delivered an impressive performance today, securing second place at the GP Oetingen, a 127.9 km race from Sint-Pieters-Leeuw to Oetingen. The UAE Team ADQ rider seized the opportunity, stepped up when needed, and turned a challenging day for the team into a remarkable result.
The team’s original plan was to back Lara Gillespie as the leader, following her recent outstanding performances. UAE Team ADQ worked well throughout the race on a typically Belgian circuit, featuring cobblestones, tight corners, and short climbs. As the race progressed, a select group of riders emerged at the front, including Bertizzolo, Gillespie, and Sofie Van Rooijen.
However, with 27 km to go, the race took an unexpected turn when Gillespie crashed and was forced to abandon. Fortunately, early medical reports indicate only big bruises and minor abrasions. In the final kilometers, the front group thinned out further, with Bertizzolo showing great resilience and fighting spirit.
The race came down to a sprint, where Fenix-Deceuninck took full advantage of their numerical superiority, claiming victory with Julie De Wilde.
Bertizzolo finished in second place, a result she was very pleased with: “It was a true Belgian classic kind of day, with all possible weather conditions – sun, rain, and even hail. The course was fast and demanding, with cobbles, climbs, and descents, making it a real battle. Fenix-Deceuninck had a very strong team, with five riders in the final group, and they were practically unbeatable in the sprint. But personally, I’m happy with my result. It was a very long sprint, and honestly, I didn’t start the race expecting to contest it. My original role was to lead out Lara Gillespie, but Belgian races are always full of surprises. After her crash, I found myself at the front sprinting, and I must say, I really enjoy being in these kinds of situations.”
(ph. @gettysport)
