The return of Sanremo women after a 20 year hiatus did not disappoint. The finale was exciting with Lorena Wiebes ultimately taking the win on the via Roma after impeccable teamwork by Lotte Kopecky.
The European Champion powered to the line ahead of Marianne Vos and Noemi Ruegg to clinch what she considered to be one of the best wins of her career so far. Here is what she had to say:
“This is one of my best wins of my career. I had to finish this teamwork. I’m very grateful for what the team did all day. I already felt strong on the Cipressa. When I crossed the top of the Poggio among the first five, I knew I was going for the win. Elisa Longo Borghini’s attack was very strong, but I knew Lotte Kopecky was right behind me. Lotte rode a very strong lead to catch Longo Borghini back. I know how strong Lotte can be, but this was fantastic. I can only be grateful. In the sprint, Marianne Vos surprised me a bit by attacking early, but I had a quick response. After the Strade Bianche I stayed in Italy to prepare for this race. Last week I scouted the final very often. That good preparation is now paying off.”
Throughout the day, Team SD Worx – Protime had good control of the race. On the Cipressa, Blanka Vas, Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky were always attentive at the front. In the streets of Sanremo, there was another ultimate attack by Elisa Longo Borghini. World champion Lotte Kopecky had to go to extremes to catch the Italian back, launching the sprint for Wiebes.
Lotte Kopecky:
“Lorena rode the perfect course, She finishes fantastically.I was expecting another team to make the course harder and try something in the final, but that didn’t happen. At the top of the Poggio it was clear we would ride for Lorena who was a little bit in front of me. I didn’t want to return too quickly to the first riders, because then they might go again behind my back. But in the final I still had to pull out all the stops to get Elisa Longo Borghini back. I didn’t hesitate for a second and then saw how Lorena finished it off. Fine! My feeling? I’m definitely not dissatisfied.”
