07.04.2021 World-Tour, News, Race news
Lisa 5th in Scheldeprijs
Lisa Klein sprinted to fifth place in the first women’s edition of Scheldeprijs today in Belgium. Klein was forced to be the final rider for our team after teammate and designated sprinter Alice crashed with 55 kilometres remaining. The race was won by Lorena Wiebes (DSM).
“The plan was to ride for Alice in the sprint. There were a lot of early crosswinds at the start and we wanted to drive it and make sure that we were present,” said Lisa who was in a breakaway with Alice immediately after the race start.
“From the moment that first breakaway was over, I have to say how impressed I was with the efforts of my teammates Hannah, Ella, and Neve. They were always present in the front, made the next split, and they protected Alice and myself in any of the echelons. I was well positioned going to the cobblestone section each time because of their efforts. After Alice crashed she wasn’t good and couldn’t accelerate, so it was up to me for the final.”
Lisa continued, “It’s not my comfort zone to be in a bunch sprint. But the race today wasn’t really the comfort zone of climbers like Ella or Neve. They were real fighters and I just loved how all of our team rode today. We had four degrees and full rain, but we were always present and a real part of the race. Their commitment was so impressive. I had super good legs today and was determined to try my best to finish off the good work.”
“I was so focused to be patient and without a lead out I tried to hold the wheel of Elisa Balsamo. It was quite scary in the final. I was trying with all my heart and good legs to get a podium for the team but we have to be happy with fifth today.”
#TAKETHELEAD
