Anouska Koster raced to a top 10 classification in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (Deakin Women’s Race) on Saturday. And there could have been more in store for WaowDeals Pro Cycling. A breakaway from Sabrina Stultiens only got neutralised in the final kilometre by a chasing group of 30 riders.

DS Jeroen Blijlevens’ predictions came true. The 2 climbs in the final of the Australian one-day-race were decisive. WaowDeals showed its more than average condition.

Sabrina Stultiens attacked on a tough climb  Not many riders had an answer to this display of power. Only Katrin Garfoot and Annemiek van Vleuten could hang on and the 3 took off.

Sabrina went full power again at 7 kilometres from the finish line, breaking away from her co-escapees which gave her a minimum lead to Garfoot, van Vleuten and the chasing peloton where the sprinters’ teams had joined forces.

Excellent condition
Sabrina was still caught in the final kilometre. Anouska Koster took part in the sprint for victory in a thinned-out peloton. “She was very well positioned.  However, she got hold up due to a crash in the sprint”, says DS Jeroen Blijlevens.

It was a small stain on a positive day. “We took initiative today to see which level we can reach. The 2 riders whom we were counting on, showed that they can reach an excellent level.  Our other riders did on the climbs what was asked from them.” 

Chloe Hosking won the race before Gracie Elvin and Giorgia Bronzini.