Ladies Anna van Wersch finishes 9th in GP Oetingen

The race proved less explosive than expected, but the demanding circuit steadily reduced the peloton and set the stage for a decisive finale on the last passage of the Zavelberg. Van Wersch remained attentive throughout the race and positioned herself well in the front part of the peloton alongside teammate Katrijn De Clercq.

 

According to Sports Director Grace Verbeke, the selective nature of the course gradually thinned out the field. The decisive moment came when Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx - Protime) launched a powerful attack on the final ascent of the Zavelberg. Lorena Wiebes and Fleur Moors (Lidl - Trek) went clear in the fight for victory, with two riders in pursuit and a smaller chasing group forming behind them that included van Wersch.

 

Thanks to her strong positioning and consistent riding throughout the race, van Wersch held her place in this chasing group and ultimately sprinted to 9th place — a solid top-10 finish against a strong field.

 

Van Wersch herself reflected positively on the race: “Overall it wasn’t the best day for the team, but everyone did what they could. I stayed well positioned near the front of the peloton all race and went into the final cobbled sector in a very good position, even on Wiebes’ wheel. Unfortunately just before the last climb I was forced into the muddy verge after a rider moved across, which cost me the chance to follow the decisive move. I had to fight really hard to get back, but I managed to crest the climb with a small group and sprinted for the remaining places. I came to Oetingen aiming for a top-10 finish, so I’m really happy to achieve that.”

 

 

Picture: PhotoNews