{"id":1851413,"date":"2026-03-26T20:00:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1851413"},"modified":"2026-03-26T20:00:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:00:58","slug":"it-was-too-late-blocked-in-during-final-sprint-left-elisa-balsamo-unable-to-react-to-rival-sprinters-at-ronde-van-brugge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1851413","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;It was too late&#8217; &#8211; Blocked in during final sprint left Elisa Balsamo unable to react to rival sprinters at Ronde van Brugge"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nClassic Brugge-De Panne Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It was too late&#8217; &#8211; Blocked in during final sprint left Elisa Balsamo unable to react to rival sprinters at Ronde van Brugge<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-26T20:00:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I&#8217;m a bit disappointed, but my start of the season was not the best one, and I&#8217;m happy to be back on the podium in an important race&#8217; says Italian sprinter<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Runner-up Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) on the podium with winner Carys Lloyd (Movistar) and third-placed Nienke Veenhoven (Visma-Lease a Bike) at Ronde van Brugge<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" 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article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\"><span>0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"e4fe06e4-47a9-4697-b74d-7ba6f380dd30\">On the Ronde van Brugge podium, surprise winner Carys Lloyd (Movistar) was surrounded by Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) and Nienke Veenhoven (Visma-Lease a Bike), the runner-up Italian admitting that while her team&#8217;s lead-out was strong, she was blocked in and then unable to react in the sprint to be able to take the win.<\/p>\n<p>The top teams had different approaches to the mass sprint as Visma-Lease a Bike massed at the front with more than 10km to go, while Lidl-Trek stayed out of the wind and waited until the penultimate kilometre.<\/p>\n<p id=\"e4fe06e4-47a9-4697-b74d-7ba6f380dd30-2\">\u201cIt was sunny, then it was really cold, then it was hailing and then raining. At the end, everyone was just freezing. As a team, we really took care of each other, and the lead-out was really good. Just in the last moment, I was a little bit closed and I couldn&#8217;t start my sprint when I wanted. I had to wait a little bit, and then it was too late,\u201d explained Balsamo.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ronde van Brugge Women: Carys Lloyd takes stunning sprint victory <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ronde van Brugge Women LIVE: A surprise winner in the bunch sprint after a tough day in West Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The best we could achieve in the situation&#8217; \u2013 SD Worx-Protime still waiting on first big Classics win of 2026 after defeat at Trofeo Alfredo Binda<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Balsamo still had two teammates in front of her until 400 metres to go, a perfect position on paper. However, since Clara Copponi went alongside the barriers on the left side of the road, there was no room for Balsamo to go around and react when Lloyd launched her sprint at the 200-metre sign.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course I\u2019m a bit disappointed, but my start of the season was not the best one and I\u2019m happy to be back on the podium in an important race,\u201d said Balsamo after her first WorldTour podium of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">For Veenhoven, it was the first WorldTour classic podium of her entire career. Her team had drilled it at the front of the peloton in the run-in to Bruges, leaving Veenhoven to follow wheels on her own on the final kilometre, and she had to stay behind Balsamo until the last 100 metres.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was our goal to fight for the podium. We approached the sprint in a good way; we started to come together really early and take the lead in the front. From then, I surfed a bit on the Lidl-Trek train, and I was a bit boxed in in the end, but I am happy that I could find a way out and finish it off for the girls with a podium.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Both Balsamo and Veenhoven had hoped for crosswind action to break the race apart, but several attempts to force echelons all came to nothing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a hectic race, and in the end, it was all a bit for nothing, really. I think that the wind came from the right direction, but a bit less strong than expected. On the one hand, that\u2019s a shame, on the other hand, we had a nice mass sprint,\u201d Veenhoven took the positives from the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The race also saw Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) beaten in a sprint for the first time since July 2024. Like Visma-Lease a Bike, her team had formed a train early on and paid the price as Barbara Guarischi had to drop off Wiebes near the front of the peloton with 1.2km still to go. Wiebes drifted back a few positions to stay out of the wind, and inside the flamme rouge, the Dutch champion opted for the left side of the road, barging shoulders with Lloyd, who chose to stay in the middle of the road.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Wiebes slotted in behind Veenhoven, but with Maike van der Duin (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) and Megan Jastrab (UAE Team ADQ) winding up their sprint next to her, the superstar was simply boxed in and had no room to launch her own sprint, rolling across the finish line in ninth place.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the UAE Tour Women, Wiebes had been asked about her unbeaten run and answered that it wasn\u2019t at the forefront of her mind.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere will be a point that I will be beaten in a sprint and probably the media thinks a lot about that. But then for me, just focus on the good things and keep on improving and keep on being the best version that I can be,\u201d Wiebes said.<\/p>\n<p>Now that the spell is broken, Wiebes\u2019 next opportunity to show her sprinting prowess is Sunday\u2019s Gent-Wevelgem aka. In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Lukas Kn\u00f6fler<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lukas\u00a0Kn\u00f6fler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews\u2019 Women\u2019s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge Women: Carys Lloyd takes stunning sprint victory <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge Women LIVE: A surprise winner in the bunch sprint after a tough day in West Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The best we could achieve in the situation&#8217; \u2013 SD Worx-Protime still waiting on first big Classics win of 2026 after defeat at Trofeo Alfredo Binda<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Olympic committee moves to require genetic testing for all female competitors ahead of Los Angeles Games<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge Women: Carys Lloyd takes stunning sprint victory <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Strange to leave you like this&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering forced to cut training camp on Mount Teide<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge Women LIVE: A surprise winner in the bunch sprint after a tough day in West Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Breathing support and extended hospital stay required as Debora Silvestri continues recovery from Milan-San Remo crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It may well turn out that he&#8217;s a one-day rider&#8217; \u2013 Former manager Patrick Lefevere questions Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s racing priorities<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I should probably have done more research&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock leapfrogs Remco Evenepoel on Volta a Catalunya GC thanks to day of bonus seconds hunting <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Olympic committee moves to require genetic testing for all female competitors ahead of Los Angeles Games<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8zRotETnkVfZhSVHkWkPn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8zRotETnkVfZhSVHkWkPn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8zRotETnkVfZhSVHkWkPn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8zRotETnkVfZhSVHkWkPn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8zRotETnkVfZhSVHkWkPn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch the E3 Saxo Classic 2026 \u2013 Live streams, TV channels for the cobbled Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yi8d4g7dBxji9JiaiKVWmS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yi8d4g7dBxji9JiaiKVWmS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yi8d4g7dBxji9JiaiKVWmS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yi8d4g7dBxji9JiaiKVWmS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yi8d4g7dBxji9JiaiKVWmS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A reckless act&#8217; \u2013 Climate activist arrested and may face charges and legal complaints after obstructing peloton during Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 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srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">E3 Saxo Classic LIVE: Mathieu van der Poel back in action on the cobbles of Flanders <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Don\u2019t meet your heroes, they said &#8211; The Specialized Aethos 2 is older, less cool, but I think it\u2019s probably better than the old one<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nClassic Brugge-De Panne Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It was too late&#8217; &#8211; Blocked in during final sprint left Elisa Balsamo unable to react to rival sprinters at Ronde van Brugge<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-26T20:00:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I&#8217;m a bit disappointed, but my start of the season was not the best one, and I&#8217;m happy to be back on the podium in an important race&#8217; says Italian sprinter<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Runner-up Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) on the podium with winner Carys Lloyd (Movistar) and third-placed Nienke Veenhoven (Visma-Lease a Bike) at Ronde van Brugge<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" 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class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"e4fe06e4-47a9-4697-b74d-7ba6f380dd30\">On the Ronde van Brugge podium, surprise winner Carys Lloyd (Movistar) was surrounded by Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) and Nienke Veenhoven (Visma-Lease a Bike), the runner-up Italian admitting that while her team&#8217;s lead-out was strong, she was blocked in and then unable to react in the sprint to be able to take the win.<\/p>\n<p>The top teams had different approaches to the mass sprint as Visma-Lease a Bike massed at the front with more than 10km to go, while Lidl-Trek stayed out of the wind and waited until the penultimate kilometre.<\/p>\n<p id=\"e4fe06e4-47a9-4697-b74d-7ba6f380dd30-2\">\u201cIt was sunny, then it was really cold, then it was hailing and then raining. At the end, everyone was just freezing. As a team, we really took care of each other, and the lead-out was really good. Just in the last moment, I was a little bit closed and I couldn&#8217;t start my sprint when I wanted. I had to wait a little bit, and then it was too late,\u201d explained Balsamo.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ronde van Brugge Women: Carys Lloyd takes stunning sprint victory <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ronde van Brugge Women LIVE: A surprise winner in the bunch sprint after a tough day in West Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The best we could achieve in the situation&#8217; \u2013 SD Worx-Protime still waiting on first big Classics win of 2026 after defeat at Trofeo Alfredo Binda<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Balsamo still had two teammates in front of her until 400 metres to go, a perfect position on paper. However, since Clara Copponi went alongside the barriers on the left side of the road, there was no room for Balsamo to go around and react when Lloyd launched her sprint at the 200-metre sign.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course I\u2019m a bit disappointed, but my start of the season was not the best one and I\u2019m happy to be back on the podium in an important race,\u201d said Balsamo after her first WorldTour podium of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">For Veenhoven, it was the first WorldTour classic podium of her entire career. Her team had drilled it at the front of the peloton in the run-in to Bruges, leaving Veenhoven to follow wheels on her own on the final kilometre, and she had to stay behind Balsamo until the last 100 metres.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was our goal to fight for the podium. We approached the sprint in a good way; we started to come together really early and take the lead in the front. From then, I surfed a bit on the Lidl-Trek train, and I was a bit boxed in in the end, but I am happy that I could find a way out and finish it off for the girls with a podium.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Both Balsamo and Veenhoven had hoped for crosswind action to break the race apart, but several attempts to force echelons all came to nothing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a hectic race, and in the end, it was all a bit for nothing, really. I think that the wind came from the right direction, but a bit less strong than expected. On the one hand, that\u2019s a shame, on the other hand, we had a nice mass sprint,\u201d Veenhoven took the positives from the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The race also saw Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) beaten in a sprint for the first time since July 2024. Like Visma-Lease a Bike, her team had formed a train early on and paid the price as Barbara Guarischi had to drop off Wiebes near the front of the peloton with 1.2km still to go. Wiebes drifted back a few positions to stay out of the wind, and inside the flamme rouge, the Dutch champion opted for the left side of the road, barging shoulders with Lloyd, who chose to stay in the middle of the road.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Wiebes slotted in behind Veenhoven, but with Maike van der Duin (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) and Megan Jastrab (UAE Team ADQ) winding up their sprint next to her, the superstar was simply boxed in and had no room to launch her own sprint, rolling across the finish line in ninth place.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the UAE Tour Women, Wiebes had been asked about her unbeaten run and answered that it wasn\u2019t at the forefront of her mind.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere will be a point that I will be beaten in a sprint and probably the media thinks a lot about that. But then for me, just focus on the good things and keep on improving and keep on being the best version that I can be,\u201d Wiebes said.<\/p>\n<p>Now that the spell is broken, Wiebes\u2019 next opportunity to show her sprinting prowess is Sunday\u2019s Gent-Wevelgem aka. In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Lukas Kn\u00f6fler<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lukas\u00a0Kn\u00f6fler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews\u2019 Women\u2019s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge Women: Carys Lloyd takes stunning sprint victory <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge Women LIVE: A surprise winner in the bunch sprint after a tough day in West Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The best we could achieve in the situation&#8217; \u2013 SD Worx-Protime still waiting on first big Classics win of 2026 after defeat at Trofeo Alfredo Binda<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Olympic committee moves to require genetic testing for all female competitors ahead of Los Angeles Games<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge Women: Carys Lloyd takes stunning sprint victory <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxxfrLN8ETeG7AgSR6ZBmf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Strange to leave you like this&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering forced to cut training camp on Mount Teide<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge Women LIVE: A surprise winner in the bunch sprint after a tough day in West Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jkk9xfYrDFcm8tKjEx2pDa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Breathing support and extended hospital stay required as Debora Silvestri continues recovery from Milan-San Remo crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It may well turn out that he&#8217;s a one-day rider&#8217; \u2013 Former manager Patrick Lefevere questions Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s racing priorities<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I should probably have done more research&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock leapfrogs Remco Evenepoel on Volta a Catalunya GC thanks to day of bonus seconds hunting <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/juhPgDrb5AnxkqfkWCpLyV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Olympic committee moves to require genetic testing for all female competitors ahead of Los Angeles Games<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br 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calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A reckless act&#8217; \u2013 Climate activist arrested and may face charges and legal complaints after obstructing peloton during Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 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srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/smgSqGEgCpR7RFqvGnRFSg.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">E3 Saxo Classic LIVE: Mathieu van der Poel back in action on the cobbles of Flanders <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Volta a Catalunya stage 5 LIVE: Final climb shortened by 2.2km due to high winds<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">340 watts, 500g of carbs, and nothing on the mind \u2013 How Silvan Dillier pulls the peloton alone for hours on end<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Don\u2019t meet your heroes, they said &#8211; The Specialized Aethos 2 is older, less cool, but I think it\u2019s probably better than the old one<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nClassic Brugge-De Panne Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It was too late&#8217; &#8211; Blocked in during final sprint left Elisa Balsamo unable to react to rival sprinters at Ronde van Brugge<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-26T20:00:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I&#8217;m a bit disappointed, but my start of the season was not the best one, and I&#8217;m happy to be back on the podium in an important race&#8217; says Italian sprinter<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"e4fe06e4-47a9-4697-b74d-7ba6f380dd30\">On the Ronde van Brugge podium, surprise winner Carys Lloyd (Movistar) was surrounded by Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) and Nienke Veenhoven (Visma-Lease a Bike), the runner-up Italian admitting that while her team&#8217;s lead-out was strong, she was blocked in and then unable to react in the sprint to be able to take the win.<\/p>\n<p>The top teams had different approaches to the mass sprint as Visma-Lease a Bike massed at the front with more than 10km to go, while Lidl-Trek stayed out of the wind and waited until the penultimate kilometre.<\/p>\n<p id=\"e4fe06e4-47a9-4697-b74d-7ba6f380dd30-2\">\u201cIt was sunny, then it was really cold, then it was hailing and then raining. At the end, everyone was just freezing. As a team, we really took care of each other, and the lead-out was really good. Just in the last moment, I was a little bit closed and I couldn&#8217;t start my sprint when I wanted. I had to wait a little bit, and then it was too late,\u201d explained Balsamo.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PbWdYuYVHcviS88jjJ4SMn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ronde van Brugge Women: Carys Lloyd takes stunning sprint victory <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmdZwQG5bDaBdmgpMWXqiD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ronde van Brugge Women LIVE: A surprise winner in the bunch sprint after a tough day in West Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GBQdttu2vFdaDCVWwjoXYB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The best we could achieve in the situation&#8217; \u2013 SD Worx-Protime still waiting on first big Classics win of 2026 after defeat at Trofeo Alfredo Binda<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Balsamo still had two teammates in front of her until 400 metres to go, a perfect position on paper. However, since Clara Copponi went alongside the barriers on the left side of the road, there was no room for Balsamo to go around and react when Lloyd launched her sprint at the 200-metre sign.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course I\u2019m a bit disappointed, but my start of the season was not the best one and I\u2019m happy to be back on the podium in an important race,\u201d said Balsamo after her first WorldTour podium of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">For Veenhoven, it was the first WorldTour classic podium of her entire career. Her team had drilled it at the front of the peloton in the run-in to Bruges, leaving Veenhoven to follow wheels on her own on the final kilometre, and she had to stay behind Balsamo until the last 100 metres.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was our goal to fight for the podium. We approached the sprint in a good way; we started to come together really early and take the lead in the front. From then, I surfed a bit on the Lidl-Trek train, and I was a bit boxed in in the end, but I am happy that I could find a way out and finish it off for the girls with a podium.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-8HrwgEk6GCbk3jK6je6ZBQ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Both Balsamo and Veenhoven had hoped for crosswind action to break the race apart, but several attempts to force echelons all came to nothing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a hectic race, and in the end, it was all a bit for nothing, really. I think that the wind came from the right direction, but a bit less strong than expected. On the one hand, that\u2019s a shame, on the other hand, we had a nice mass sprint,\u201d Veenhoven took the positives from the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The race also saw Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) beaten in a sprint for the first time since July 2024. Like Visma-Lease a Bike, her team had formed a train early on and paid the price as Barbara Guarischi had to drop off Wiebes near the front of the peloton with 1.2km still to go. Wiebes drifted back a few positions to stay out of the wind, and inside the flamme rouge, the Dutch champion opted for the left side of the road, barging shoulders with Lloyd, who chose to stay in the middle of the road.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Wiebes slotted in behind Veenhoven, but with Maike van der Duin (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) and Megan Jastrab (UAE Team ADQ) winding up their sprint next to her, the superstar was simply boxed in and had no room to launch her own sprint, rolling across the finish line in ninth place.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the UAE Tour Women, Wiebes had been asked about her unbeaten run and answered that it wasn\u2019t at the forefront of her mind.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere will be a point that I will be beaten in a sprint and probably the media thinks a lot about that. But then for me, just focus on the good things and keep on improving and keep on being the best version that I can be,\u201d Wiebes said.<\/p>\n<p>Now that the spell is broken, Wiebes\u2019 next opportunity to show her sprinting prowess is Sunday\u2019s Gent-Wevelgem aka. In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/it-was-too-late-blocked-in-during-final-sprint-left-elisa-balsamo-unable-to-react-to-rival-sprinters-at-ronde-van-brugge\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LbgZ2qPbz3SoRpYgZzwkoW-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Women&#8217;s Cycling Classic Brugge-De Panne Women &#8216;It was too late&#8217; &#8211; Blocked in during final sprint left Elisa Balsamo unable to react to rival sprinters at Ronde van Brugge News By Lukas Kn\u00f6fler published 26 March 2026 &#8216;I&#8217;m a bit disappointed, but my start of the season was not [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1851413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1851413"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851413\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1851413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1851413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1851413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}