DESOLO VICTORY, TEAM WIN
Chantal van den Broek-Blaak first in Flanders
Boels-Dolmans exerted their will on the 17th edition of the women’s Tour of Flanders. As one of three teammates in the final break, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak took the race into her own hands, attacking on the Oude Kwaremont and finishing alone nearly a minute ahead of the chasers.
The 30-year-old Dutch rider and former world champion, twice third at Flanders, was the designated leader on the day. Teammates Anna van der Breggen (NED) and Amy Pieters (NED), both ranked in the UCI top ten, disrupted any chase in the closing kilometers. Pieters sprinted for second place, capping an amazing day for the team.
The last months I was training and dreaming about this race. I am super happy I could win it, but it was not possible without the team. I’m proud of the whole team. Everyone was super strong today. Amazing to finish 8 years of Boels-Dolmans like this
“The plan worked out perfectly. [Anna] is an incredible team player and it’s cool when you can block two or three of the favorites. If you can finish solo from 22km then you are the strongest in the field,” said Danny Stam, Boels-Dolmans Director Sportif.
Amalie Dideriksen was a valuable teammate
Van den Broek-Blaak had expressed her long fascination with the race, as well as her desire to win, in in our recent interview with her.
Chantal’s gearing choice was SRAM RED eTap AXS’s 48/35 chainrings with the 10-33 cassette. Her wheels were the Zipp 303 Firecrest.
Results:
First – Chantal van den Broek-Blaak (NED - Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team)
Second – Amy Pieters – (NED - Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team)
Third – Lotte Kopecky (BEL - Lotto Soudal Ladies)
Bike Specs:
Frame: Specialized Tarmac SL7
Drivetrain: RED eTap AXS with RED AXS power meter
Gearing: 48/35 chainring, 10-33 cassette
Wheels: Zipp 303 Firecrest
Bars: Zipp Service Course SL-70 (38cm)
