Balsamo sprints to second in Ronde van Drenthe

The 2024 edition of the Ronde van Drenthe was an attritional race with six ascents of the cobbled man-made climb in the Netherlands. The punchy climb and technical circuit meant that the bunch was frequently stretched out, and it didn’t take long for riders to be dropped from the bunch. The final ascent of the climb looked like it might have produced the race-winning split with each of the big teams represented with a rider – Lidl-Trek with its leader Elisa Balsamo.

However, the reduced peloton made the junction back to the lead group on the lead group, meaning Balsamo had the support of trusty domestique Lauretta Hanson. The Australian did a strong job to position Balsamo ahead of the final ascent of the VAMberg, from which point it was all down to the former World Champion. Hot on the wheel of Lorena Wiebes, Balsamo sprinted over the cobbles, but had to fenced the win to the Dutchwoman.

It was a hectic race from the first to the last kilometer. I faced it with character and the right amount of guts to leave no stone unturned for a top results. Even taking some risk, has happened on the penultimate passage on the Vamberg, when I didn’t hesitate to follow the an attack. The attempt was unsuccessful, but it was important to make an important selection.

From there on I always kept an eye on the front of the group and, although the legs were starting to get tired, I gave everything for this podium. I believed in it to the last. Thanks to Lauretta I faced the last kilometre in a very good position, a critical point in the race. Then it was a very long sprint, a remarkable effort, which nevertheless brought me a good second place.

I’m satisfied, it’s the sign of growth in condition that I wanted and that boost in morale to face the classics with the right mood to fight.