Dominika Wlodarczyk claimed a brilliant solo victory at the Women’s Cycling Grand Prix Region Stuttgart, taking the win in Tamm after 134.7 kilometres of racing.
The Polish champion completed a long solo effort, launched with 32 kilometres to go, holding off the chasing group all the way to the finish.
It was also a strong team performance for UAE Team L’IMAD, with Eleonora Gasparrini finishing fifth and Karlijn Swinkels eighth.
Wlodarczyk’s victory also means that UAE Team L’IMAD has won the race for the third consecutive year. The previous two editions were both claimed by Gasparrini.
After a lively opening phase with several attacks, the race gradually split and a reduced group formed with many of the main contenders. With 32 kilometres remaining, Wlodarczyk seized her opportunity and launched a powerful attack, taking advantage of a moment of hesitation in the group.
The Polish rider quickly opened a gap, extending her advantage to as much as 1’20” over the chasing group. Behind her, UAE Team L’IMAD had Gasparrini and Swinkels in the group, allowing the team to control the situation while Wlodarczyk continued to push clear.
During the penultimate lap, the FDJ-SUEZ riders tried to increase the pace and further reduce the group, which still included several of the strongest sprinters. Wlodarczyk’s teammates remained in control, while Dominika continued to drive her solo effort at maximum pace, making the most of her excellent time-trialling abilities. The Polish rider is also a national champion in the discipline.
At the start of the final lap, Wlodarczyk crossed the finish line with a 1’05” advantage over the main chasing group.
On the final climbs, the group tried to close the gap once again. Liane Lippert (Movistar Team) put in a strong acceleration, but Gasparrini responded well and remained in the front group. Swinkels also managed to rejoin the group, while Wlodarczyk continued to extend her effort at the front.
The Polish champion was then able to celebrate a well-deserved solo victory, completing an impressive long-range attack and holding off the chasers all the way to the finish.
Dominika Wlodarczyk said: “I slept well last night and felt good this morning. We had a very strong team here and, with Eleonora having won this race in the last two years, we were very confident coming into the race. It was a very lively race and, in the end, I really enjoyed it. We knew we had several options, so I decided to try a long-range attack and surprise the sprinters. When I saw that I had managed to build a good gap, in the finale I just focused on pushing as hard as possible all the way to the finish. It was my first time racing here. It is a really beautiful race and I am very happy to have won. There won’t be much time to celebrate now. I will celebrate a little with the team and then with my family once I am back home. In a few days, I will leave for the World Championships in Canada.”
(ph. @martin_jat)
