CANYON//SRAM Racing’s Elena Cecchini sprinted to fourth place in a hard-fought Grand Prix Plouay race in Plouay, France. The UCI Women’s WorldTour race was won by Amy Pieters (DLT) from Marianne Vos (WM3) out of a fifteen-rider group sprint to the line.

The race came alive in the final 50km with Alexis Ryan and Tiffany Cromwell trying to create breakaways and pressure on the peloton. Kasia Niewiadoma and Cecchini represented CANYON//SRAM in the final 14km circuit and Cecchini was just overtaken metres before the line for a spot on the podium. Read the rider reactions below:

Elena Cecchini: “I had a good race and was able to save everything to the end. I’m proud of how my teammates worked during the race and worked for me. I’m disappointed to get another fourth place! Rivera just passed me in the final metres to take third. I can say I gave my all in the race and the sprint.”

Hannah Barnes: “I really noticed that I missed the race pace after six weeks out. It took me a little while to get into the race and I tried a few attacks but really I was under my best. I’m disappointed I couldn’t have contributed more to the team today but I know that it will come back so I hope next week in Holland I’m feeling better.”

Tiffany Cromwell: “I had a good race and though wasn’t on my best day I was able to contribute and help make the race hard. I think it’s good that our team stuck to our plan and we tried to create the small group for Elena to sprint from.”

Alexis Ryan: “I enjoyed the opportunity to try something during the race. My attack really hurt! I’ve tried to be in the front group on the final lap too but I just couldn’t get there. After my altitude block I’m now starting to feel back on form and I’m looking forward to this last month of racing.”

Kasia Niewiadoma: “It was a hard and beautiful race. I enjoyed racing it like I do every year I’m there. We were always talking with each other and it kept the concentration high. I think we have raced well as a team, and although Elena is disappointed with being off the podium, I’m confident her win will come.”

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