Elisa Balsamo claims her third consecutive podium in the Belgian classics at Dwars door Vlaanderen

The peloton remained in control heading into the hills, with no significant moves until Berg ten Houte, where the race suddenly ignited. A group of around 25 riders managed to break away, but their advantage was short-lived as they were eventually reeled back in.

The first major attack came on the Knokteberg, driven by Lucinda Brand, Femke Gerritse, Marlen Reusser, and Amber Kraak. Brand played an active role at the front before the peloton regrouped. On the cobbles of the Doorn, Ellen van Dijk picked up the pace, but it was on the Huisepontweg that Elisa Longo Borghini seized her opportunity and broke away.

In the final phase of the race, Lidl-Trek remained highly active in the chase, particularly with van Dijk, ensuring a strong presence in the decisive moments. Elisa Balsamo was able to form part of the key chase group, which came as close as 18 seconds to Longo Borghini before the group lost its cohesion. In the final kilometer, the remains of the peloton rejoined the chase group, but Balsamo retained her position near the front, preparing for the sprint. A strong sprint earned her an impressive third place, just behind World Champion Lotte Kopecky. With a solid team effort and Balsamo securing her third consecutive podium, Lidl-Trek once again proved their strength on the road to the Tour of Flanders.

In Elisa’s words

Yes I’m happy with this podium. We always race to win but this podium is a good one. It was a really hard race, so I’m happy. I was too tired at the end, there was pain everywhere. It was always really fast, and then there was the wind. There was this really strong breakaway and we tried to chase them. Elisa [Longo Borghini] was really strong. I was really tired, my legs were gone, but I tried my best in the sprint.