Elisa wins the first stage of the Swiss race after a hectic finish: “We strongly sought out and wanted this victory.”
With her arms in the air and a smile full of satisfaction, Elisa Balsamo won the first stage of the Tour de Romandie in a two-up sprint to the line against world champion, Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx).
It was a great team success. We looked for it and wanted it. I am very, very happy.
The Italian sprinter’s fifth success of the season comes after a complicated finish, in which team tactics and Elisa’s strength made the difference.
“The sprint was anything but a foregone conclusion today. We had talked about it in the meeting and knew it could be an option but, we were ready for all scenarios. A lot depended on how the final climb would be done,” Elisa explained.
The last 30 kilometers were a reflection of Elisa and the team’s pre-race thoughts. On a course that was well-suited to attacks, keeping the race under control was not easy.
“The team believed in me so much and created a golden opportunity for me,” Balsamo continued.
“My teammates did very well in a tough finish. We got into all the breakaways, I even tried when I saw a large group that was dangerous for our ambitions. However, when the sprint option was there, everyone worked for that goal. Lauretta [Hanson] controlled Holden and Majerus’ attack, while Ellen kept a strong pace to avoid any further moves. The others kept me covered and in front until inside the last kilometer, then I took Kopecky’s wheel, which, without a doubt, was the one to fear.
“I expected her to start on the last, hardest climb, about 400m from the finish. When I saw her attacking, I just thought about going after her. I had a very long sprint, practically without taking a breath until the finish line.”
The result was a clean, clear-cut victory in which Elisa showed off her strength and tactical intelligence.
L’arrivée à Lausanne avec la victoire d’Elisa Balsamo @LidlTrek pic.twitter.com/QY5U84PFFk
— Tour de Romandie (@TourDeRomandie) September 6, 2024
Tomorrow at the Tour de Romandie is the queen stage, the toughest and dedicated to climbers like Realini and Van Anrooij. Then, on Sunday, there could be another opportunity for Balsamo.
“We could try again, although the course is more nervous than today. A lot will depend on how the standings turn out tomorrow. But, definitely, if there is an opportunity, we will try to take advantage of it,” she added.
