Mischa Bredewold (Netherlands) secured a solo victory to claim the elite women’s title on home ground at the UEC Road European Championships.
The Dutch rider attacked a reduced field with 10km to go and crossed the line just three seconds ahead of a sprint for second won by her teammate Lorena Wiebes, while world champion Lotte Kopecky (Belgium) was forced to settle for third atop the Col du VAM.
“I think I’m still dreaming. I really can’t believe it,” Bredeworld said. It means everything. The last few years have been difficult sometimes, and that I’m here already, I have no words for it.”
Bredewold attacked on the last of five short finishing circuits, which included the Col du Vam. Her move came after a lull in the speeds of a reduced field of just 16 riders. Somewhat of a surprise move, Bredewold immediately gained seven seconds, pushing out to 25 seconds, as rider after rider attempted to bridge behind.
“It was not the plan to attack on the last lap. Not at all. I don’t know; we were just so in attack mode, and I saw the moment, and I went. I thought, ‘This was not the plan,’ but I kept pushing for as long as possible. If they had to chase behind, it was also good for Lorena or Demi [Vollering],” Bredewold said.
Bredewold raced it to the bottom of the Col du VAM, 10 seconds ahead of lone chaser Emma Norsgaard (Denmark) and 18 seconds ahead of a chase group of 14 riders. She rode over the cobbles, fans cheering as she continued to push on the pedals in pursuit of the victory.
“The moment I came to the top of the climb, the cobbled part, I thought, ‘f**k, I really have to push over this last one because maybe I will win it,” Bredewold said.
The reduced field caught Norsgaard on the descent before the final pitch to the finish line. As Bredewold crossed the line with the victory, she looked back to see the sprint for second between Wiebes and Kopecky.
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