Prior to the race, it certainly looked like the real fireworks would only be lit in the deep final of the Giro dell'Emilia. After a flat run-up of approximately 85 kilometres, the only climb left for the riders was the iconic San Luca (10 percent) on Tuesday afternoon. Pauliena Rooijakkers proved that she was one of the better climbers and took third place. The victory in the Giro dell’Emilia went to Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig.

“Sabrina Stultiens, Soraya Paladin and Pauliena Rooijakkers were our priorities today. The agreement was to keep them in the front as well as possible in the flat run-up. The team outperformed in that respect”, says sports director Jeroen Blijlevens. “There was some wind on the way as well as an attempt to create echelons. Even though this did not work out, we were always alert as a team.”

In the final kilometres of the day, two escapees were caught. With only the ultimate climb to San Luca ahead, a crash happened in the peloton. “We weren't involved, but it was clear that it caused some confusion. Pauliena was positioned just a bit too far behind. She raced hard and strong forward on the steep climb. Sabrina and Soraya also finished nicely in the top ten.”

Photo credits: Cor Vos