Balsamo succeeds Wiebes in Schoten
After 130 kilometers of racing, Balsamo (Lidl – Trek) was the fastest in the traditional sprint on Churchilllaan. The Italian added her name to the honors list for the first time with a sprint victory over Kool and Consonni.
For the fifth time, the women had the opportunity to prepare in Schoten for the Scheldeprijs. All eyes were on who would succeed Wiebes, who had won the first four editions. After the team presentation on Churchill Avenue, the women set off at 11:40 a.m. towards the Noorderkempen.
After 15 kilometers, the first riders launched an attack. The duo of Mrugal (Cynisca Cycling) and Tyler (Handsling Alba Development Road Team) built up a lead of 2.5 minutes. During the first pass on the Broekstraat, EF Education – Oatly took control, but the gap to the leaders remained unchanged.
On the second time through the Broekstraat, Backstedt (Canyon SRAM//zondacrypto) attacked, with Schreiber (Team SD Worx - Protime) right on her wheel. This sparked a counterattack, allowing a group of 8 riders to bridge to the front: Gerritse (Team SD Worx – Protime), Schreiber, De Wilde (Fenix – Deceuninck), Bäckstedt, Henderson (Lidl – Trek), Roy (EF Education – Oatly), González (St Michel - Preference Home - Auber 93) en Souren (Volkerwessels Cycling Team).
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Team Picnic PostNL, the team of top favourite Kool, saw the danger and did everything they could to close the gap. The leading group of ten riders had a 15-second advantage going into the third and final local lap. They briefly managed to extend their lead, but a bunch sprint was inevitable.
In the traditional sprint on Churchill Avenue, it was the riders of Lidl – Trek who delivered their sprinter perfectly. Balsamo launched her sprint with 250 metres to go, while Kool surged forward on the right side. The Dutch rider drew level with Balsamo, but the Lidl – Trek rider held on and claimed her first Scheldeprijs victory. The Italian Consonni joined them on the podium.
