CHIARA SECURES SECOND IN SIMAC AFTER STRONG TEAM SHOWING

It was more than third-time lucky for the team at the Simac Ladies Tour. After days of persistence, a committed performance finally enabled Chiara Consonni to find her moment on stage four, sprinting to second place.

Much like the day prior, when crosswinds split the peloton in the opening hour, today’s terrain offered little shelter. The roads were just as flat and exposed, although slightly weaker winds lessened the pre-race angst.

Although the peloton remained intact, it was not through lack of aggression, but rather the strength and hyper-vigilance shown by many teams who had also learned their lessons this week. There were repeated efforts and splits over the four lap, 126 kilometre course, but none made a lasting impact.

The impending outcome became clear as a large bunch thundered through the outskirts of Alkmaar, the remaining kilometres able to be counted by one hand. The CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto sprint train took command, Chiara poised behind her teammates. One by one, Nastya Kolesava, Wilma Aintila, and Zoe Bäckstedt emptied themselves, before Maria Martins piloted Chiara into prime position for the final showdown. In the last 300m, Chiara launched from behind Balsamo (LTK), darting onto the wheel of Wiebes (SDW). At 150m to go she swung into the wind, matching the speed of the Dutch powerhouse but falling just short. However, coming so close to the world’s most dominant sprinter was a triumph in itself.

Afterwards, Chiara shared these words while soaking up the delight with teammates who had been integral to the performance:

“Finally, one sprint! We worked really good today. I think we really improved on yesterday and the day before. I think if there would have been an echelon, we would have been there, but then we arrived in a bunch sprint.

In the last kilometre, Zoe and Tata [Maria] did a really good job and then in the kilometre before, the other girls too. Day by day, we’ve really improved in finding that feeling between each other and working as well as possible.”

Even in the heat of the finale, her thoughts were sharp and instinctive:

“I saw that the road were super small. I was scared that I didn’t have the space to go, but then Tata did a really good job to bring me up. Then, when I saw 200 metres to go, I said ‘okay, start,’ and I could be there.

I’m really happy to have done my first sprint, and we were super close. We’re racing with the best sprinter in the world and to be there, to sprint against her, is a fantastic feeling.

I need to say thanks to the all the team that supports every day – mechanics, soigneurs and sports directors. Tomorrow, we will fight for the GC and it’s never done until Sunday.”

The Simac Ladies Tour now heads into a decisive weekend. Saturday’s 10km individual time trial offers a flat, fast course punctuated by gentle bends and tight 90-degree corners that will demand both physical and cognitive power. Sunday’s finale is a 160km showdown featuring seven gravel sectors and long stretches of narrow, exposed roads.

General classification hopes rest with Zoe, who sits 11th overall. She’s on the same time as fifth place and the youth classification leader, but 1:24 behind race leader Wiebes. The GC podium, where she finished last year, lies a further 50 seconds up the road. Wearing her classy British National Champion skinsuit, Zoe will look to replicate her two recent time trial victories at the Baloise Ladies Tour while aiming to climb up the standings.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Stage 5 (ITT) | Sat, Sept 06 | Doetinchem – Westendorp | 10.3km | 9m elevation | First rider: 13:45 – last rider: 16:00 CET. LIVE from 13:00.

Stage 6 | Sat, Sept 07 | Lichtenvoorde – Lichtenvoorde | 159.3km | 333m elevation | Start: 12:00 – Finish: 15:42 CET. LIVE from 14:30.

Live coverage available on Eurosport, Max and NOS. Stay updated on X with #SLT2025, and follow CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto’s social channels for team updates.