Charlesworth wins solo in the women’s race U17
Aisling Charlesworth claimed victory at the In Flanders Field – Ypres youth day in the women’s U17 category. The British rider attacked with four kilometres to go and was never caught. Lilly Temar finished second, with Lotta Huybrechts completing the podium.
At 10:00 a.m., a bagpiper traditionally sounded the starter’s horn for the In Flanders Field – Ypres race in the women’s U17 category. The riders then set off on a 46-kilometre course, featuring the classic trio of Scherpenberg, Monteberg and Kemmelberg (Belvédère).
The race started at an easy pace. As expected, the Kemmelberg caused the decisive split. A group of eight riders, including Lentel Huys and last year’s third-place finisher Aisling Charlesworth, headed towards the finish in Ypres.
The break quickly built up an advantage of nearly a minute. A bunch sprint in the Rijselstraat seemed likely, but Charlesworth had other plans. The British rider launched a decisive attack with four kilometres to go, going all-in for the win.
The chasers never managed to close the gap, allowing Charlesworth to add In Flanders Field – Ypres to her palmarès. Swedish champion Lilly Temar edged the sprint for second place, ahead of Lotta Huybrechts.
