CONSONNI SHINES IN COPENHAGEN WITH THIRD PLACE

Chiara Consonni sprinted to third place in today’s first-ever Copenhagen Sprint. Coming from down from an altitude camp with the team just the day prior didn’t stop the Italian rider’s motivation to perform in the 151km World Tour race.

Supported by her CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto teammates of Wilma Aintila, Zoe Bäckstedt, Nastya Kolesava, Alice Towers, and Maria Martins, Chiara was always well-positioned.

An early breakaway of four riders were swept up one by one as the peloton moved from the rural loop to the finishing laps in the centre of Copenhagen. The fast-paced circuit was relished by riders like Zoe who excels in positioning and it was this that helped the team avoid a late crash with 8km remaining. Around 40 riders contested the bunch sprint with Chiara latching on to the wheel of pre-race favourite and eventual winner, Lorena Wiebes (SDW). With a superb bike throw on the line, Chiara secured her second World Tour podium of the season.

Chiara was quick to praise her teammates after the finish:

“I’m really happy with the work from my teammates. We were in good position and stayed away from the various crashes. When we entered the circuit and with its many corners, we knew it would be chaotic. It’s exactly what we found. Zoe and Nastya could put me in a good position and for the sprint I had the wheel of Wiebes. I came from altitude yesterday so I know that I miss a little bit in the sprint, but overall I’m happy with my third place today. It was good to see how much we have improved as a team in the working together in these sprint races also. It gives us some more confidence going into the biggest stage races in July.”