Wiebes claims third victory in Wevelgem and becomes sole record holder
With a third victory on the Vanackerestraat in Wevelgem, Lorena Wiebes has crowned herself the record holder. After the decisive move was made on the Kemmelberg, she sprinted to victory in a small group, beating Moors and Swinkels.
For the first time, the women's race started in Wevelgem. Following the starting signal on the Vanackerestraat, the riders began a 135 km journey. An early breakaway of four formed: Idoia Eraso Lasa (Laboral Kutxa - Fundación Euskadi), Van Dam (VolkerWessels Cycling Team), Teutenberg (Lotto Intermarché Ladies), and Antikainen (Minimax Cycling Team). Their lead reached a maximum of five minutes until the hill zone approached. During the first passage of the Kemmelberg, the teams of Wiebes and Balsamo kept the breakaway's advantage under control.
Shortly after, the breakaway's adventure came to an end. Riders including Baker (Liv AlUla Jayco) tried to anticipate, but the sprinters' teams did not relent. The definitive split occurred on the second and toughest ascent of the Kemmelberg (Ossuaire). Wiebes forced the pace herself, completely tearing the field apart.
An elite group of five formed, featuring Chabbey (FDJ United - SUEZ), Moors (Lidl-Trek), Swinkels, and Gasparrini (UAE Team ADQ). In the background, a group including Balsamo, Kool (Fenix-Premier Tech), and Bossuyt (AG Insurance - Soudal Team) attempted to bridge back to the leaders, but the breakaway riders stayed clear of the peloton.
Gasparrini tried an attack in the final kilometers, but she couldn't break away. The quintet rode to the finish with the fast Wiebes. The Dutch champion started her sprint from the front. Moors in particular kept pushing and gained ground. At the line, Wiebes had half a wheel left to spare, securing her third consecutive victory in Wevelgem. With this third win, she also becomes the sole record holder. Moors and Swinkels completed the podium.
