31.08.2018 World-Tour, News, Race news

Elena takes the lead in the sprint classification

Elena Cecchini took the lead in the Sprint Classification jersey after stage four of the Boels Ladies Tour today in Netherlands.

The 124km stage from Stramproy to Weert featured a lone 90km breakaway from Israel champion Omer Shapira, caught only coming into the final city circuits.

Cecchini took second in the first of two intermediate sprints. CANYON//SRAM Racing also led out the Italian for the second of the intermediate sprints where she took full points.

“It was a close battle today, especially after the first sprint where the girls did a great lead out for me. I left my run a little late and (Lauren) Kitchen came with double my speed to take the win,” said Cecchini.

“In the second sprint I wanted to give back to my teammates so I was giving it my all! But after I won then I felt really satisfied.”

“When I see all of my teammates in the front riding together for one goal I get goosebumps. And the fact that many times through the year I am in that position, pulling for others, it makes me even more grateful for their work today,” added Cecchini.

The stage was won by Amelie Dideriksen (DLT) with Annemiek Van Vleuten (MTS) maintaining her lead in the overall.