Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek): “Kasia launched her sprint in the perfect spot”

April 17 ^th 2024 - 19:06

Our leader today was Gaia Realini, but she was struggling due to the cold weather and she eventually told me to take my chance. It was a very hard day because of the tough weather conditions. I was very lucky to have teammates to take care of me by providing me with warm clothes and warm tea. I am happy with today’s result. It adds up with the great season I’ve had so far.

‘Kasia’ Niewiadoma launched her move in the perfect spot. If you look back at the last editions of La Flèche Wallonne, both men’s and women’s, the differences were set with 150 meters to go – more or less where she attacked. Kasia is a fair rider, someone who I respect a lot. I believe she deserves the win. As for me, I held on until I could and then basically died slowly for 150 meters.

I’m very happy with the change of schedule of La Flèche Wallonne Femmes. For me personally, this one is much better than the ones we had before. With the previous timing, we the riders were lucky enough to get up at 5AM… But the staffers, they had to go to bed very late and then wake up very early in order to prepare for the race. This new schedule is better for our performance.