Elisa Longo Borghini finishes sixth in the one-day La Course race by Le Tour de France
Elisa Longo Borghini used her Giro Rosa form to finish in sixth place in La Course, the 121-kilometer one-day race for women by Le Tour de France. The race this year featured a hilly circuit race around Pau, ending on a short uphill with a gradient topping out at 17 percent.
An 11-rider breakaway animated a good part of the race and Audrey Cordon-Ragot covered the move for Trek-Segafredo.
The big hitters showed their cards in the last circuits of the five-lap race as the leading group was caught and five-woman escaped. It all came together on the final lap with only Amanda Spratt (Mitchelton Scott) holding out, but she was no match for Marianne Vos (CCC-Liv) who blasted past her in the final 400 meters to take the win.
Audrey Cordon-Ragot leads the break.
It was the plan that I take the first breakaway going, and I felt good. It was good as we didn't have to chase and let the big teams do it. I tried to go solo when I saw the gap coming down, but when I saw Annemiek (van Vleuten) passing me in the last climb, I couldn't follow anymore. Then it was for the others to go and try something. We did well as a team and I was really happy I could play the game.
Audrey Cordon-Ragot attacks on the third lap.
Elisa Longo Borghini on one of the climbs on the circuit.
Lizzie Deignan had bad luck with two punctures.
We were a bit unlucky with Elisa have two mechanicals at a crucial part of the race. So I tried in the end to sprint, but since I am not a sprinter, I was only sixth. But the team did well, we worked well together, and today we missed a little bit of luck.
- Elisa Longo Borghini
Anna van der Breggen and Elisa Longo Borghini in the heat of the action on the last lap.
Elisa Longo-Borghini finishes in sixth place.
Lizzie Deignan congratulates Audrey Cordon Ragot on a good race at the finish.
There were so many people cheering for me and Breton flags at the side of the race. It was so special! I wish we could get this Tour de France for women - I have never experienced this in another race.
- Audrey Cordon-Ragot
Backstage Gallery
Photographer Jojo Harper brings you up close with the team during La Course.
View the gallery below.
