Elisa Balsamo claims a great win at Trofeo Binda

Longo Borghini (2021), Balsamo (2022), Van Anrooij (2023) and now, once again, Balsamo. Lidl-Trek made it an impressive four wins in a row at Trofeo Binda with the 2021 World Champion taking the top spot in the 2024 edition of the race. A series of victories that, if not a record already, is very close to one.

Just like in 2022, Elisa was the fastest and strongest on the long finish straight in Cittiglio, managing the sprint in the best possible way and leaving the world champion Kopecky (Sd Worx) and Puck Pieterse (Deceuninck) in her wake.

Balsamo’s third success of the season topped off, once again, a great race strategy and team performance from Lidl-Trek, who rode to control, attack and triumph.

Trofeo Binda is a race I really love. I was super motivated, but I knew it would be tough today, with that extra final climb. It turned out to be a super-selective and tough race, I think this gives added value to the success. And then, again, I have to thank my teammates so much who kept the race under control and built my chance of victory. Thank you very much.”

In the final I played my cards in the best way. I knew by experience it requires strength, because it is slightly uphill, and tactics, because without the right timing you won’t get caught. There were a few fast riders in the group, I marked Kopecky closely and then went full gas. Surviving on the last climb wasn’t exactly easy, I knew it was the most critical point… but when a sprinter smells victory, it’s like a regeneration.

Our strength, as Lidl-Trek, is teamwork. We don’t always have the strongest individual, but as a collective we have few equals. The plan was to have Shirin ready to follow climbers’ attacks, while my role was to be there in case of a bunch finish. Shirin was commendable, she deserves a special thanks. We are a fantastic group, always ready to sacrifice for each other. That is something that makes a difference in cycling.

Race after race I grow, I improve. I have been working hard since the winter to be at the top in all the events I have on my priority list for this season. Trofeo Binda was one of them, now the Belgian classics are there. I’m 100% sure that we, as team, will once again stand out.