Rachele Barbieri showed once again in Wednesday’s Scheldeprijs (138 kilometres) that she has a very powerful sprint. In Schoten she came in third after a rainy race. Dutch rider Lorena Wiebes won.
Liv Racing Xstra had a relatively easy time towards the final of the Belgian classic. Three riders were in the breakaway for a long time. British rider Abi Smith was the last of the three to be caught in the last 10 kilometres. The peloton was already preparing for a bunch sprint at that point.
“We did a perfect job when preparing for the sprint. Unfortunately, there was a crash in front of the peloton in the last five kilometres. Amber van der Hulst and Eva Buurman were involved in that. Normally they are two important riders in the sprint train. Now Rachele was on her own a little too early due to bad luck”, says sport director Wim Stroetinga.
Nevertheless, Rachele Barbieri found the opening to the front row and managed to make it difficult for the other sprinters. “I had to start the sprint from a bit too far away, but I still had a high speed, so I came close. Lorena Wiebes is very strong, but with a smooth lead-out there might have been more possible. In any case, I am very happy that we have secured a podium place. It’s important for both myself and the team”, the Italian said.