Eleonora Gasparrini of UAE Team ADQ delivered a stunning performance to claim victory at the Grand Prix du Morbihan Femmes, raced today over a distance of 83.9 km with both start and finish in Plumelec. With perfect race management in the finale, the Italian rider proved lethal on the slightly uphill finish, outsprinting the experienced Swiss competitor Elise Chabbey (FDJ – Suez).
Remarkably, this triumph came just a day after Gasparrini suffered a heavy crash during the Classique Morbihan, which left her with multiple cuts and bruises. Her participation in today’s race remained uncertain until this morning, but despite still being sore and bandaged, she made the courageous decision to start—and it turned out to be the right one.
Following Paula Blasi’s win on Thursday, in the first of the three days of racing in Brittany, UAE Team ADQ entered today’s race with a strong determination to go for another top result. Alongside Gasparrini, the team fielded a solid lineup featuring experienced riders Karlijn Swinkels and Sofia Bertizzolo, as well as the young talents Paula Blasi and Amalia Debarges.
With 56 kilometers to go, Paula Blasi attempted an attack with Eglantine Rayer (FDJ – Suez), but the duo was quickly brought back. Around 10 kilometers later, a promising break formed with five riders, including Gasparrini, but the peloton was not willing to let it go and soon closed the gap. A new move by a trio of riders followed, prompting UAE Team ADQ to take control and chase down the escape. The race then split into several groups, with Gasparrini remaining in the main selection of about 15 riders.
The final kilometers turned into a tactical chess match. Elise Chabbey launched a powerful move with only a few hundred meters to go, but Gasparrini kept her composure, responded decisively, and surged past the Swiss rider to cross the finish line with arms aloft.
This marks the sixth professional victory for Eleonora Gasparrini and the 14th road win (13 UCI) for UAE Team ADQ so far this season.
Eleonora Gasparrini said: “I set off this morning without a clear plan because I wasn’t sure how I would feel, but I quickly realised I was in good shape. We always tried to stay in control, particularly keeping an eye on the FDJ riders. There were several attacks, and we managed to close them all down. On the penultimate lap, Chabbey attacked, and I was able to stay with the front group. In the final stretch, I knew there was a headwind, so even when Chabbey attacked, I chose to wait and played it smart, trusting I could catch her in the last few metres. I’m happy – especially after yesterday’s crash, I didn’t know how today would go. Thanks to the whole team”.
(ph. Aymeric Lassak)
