Kopecky back to winning at Ceratizit Challenge, Van Vleuten claims overall

By Rosa Betancourt September 5, 2021 24 mins read 291 Views

Kopecky back to winning at Ceratizit Challenge, Van Vleuten claims overall

A final short and steep climb with 300 meters to go launched Lotte Kopecky (Liv Racing) to a stage victory on the fourth and final stage of the Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta. Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo) followed Kopecky across the line to take second with Anna Henderson (Jumbo-Visma) taking third.

Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar) became the new Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta champion after she rode into the finish comfortably within the peloton.

The day started with a selection of 13 riders riding off the front of the race. With such a large break, the riders in front struggled to get enough of a gap from the peloton. Eventually, a selection of four with Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx) broke away.

Valcar-Travel & Service, working for the 2020 final stage winner Elisa Balsamo, kept the strong breakaway within catching distance. The four were never allowed over a minute and a half advantage.

With the breakaway’s advantage over the peloton dropping to 23 seconds, Leah Thomas (Movistar) attacked with 10 km to go. Van der Breggen, Alena Amiakiusik (Canyon-SRAM), and Shirin van Anrooij (Trek-Segafredo) kept their pace up but were caught by the chasing peloton with 3.6 km to go. Thomas continued 17 seconds ahead of the peloton with 2 km to go.

In the end, Thomas couldn’t compete against Kopecky and Longo Borghini on the final run into the finish. Kopecky crossed the line victorious after coming back from a nasty crash on the trakc at the Olympic Games.

Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta (2.WWT) As Pontes → Santiago de Compostela

Full results

KOPECKY Lotte Liv Racing