JULE MÄRKL TAKES CAREER-BEST UCI FINISH WITH AN ITALIAN 11TH

In Tuesday’s inaugural Giro dell’Appennino Donne Elite, a new addition to the calendar but with considerable history on the men’s side, Jule Märkl secured a commendable 11th place. She led her group to the line behind a winning trio and a further seven chasers. This is the 20-year-old German’s best UCI result yet since making the leap to the elite level in 2024.

Awen Roberts also finished in the same group as Jule, +2:26 mins down on race winner Vitillo (LIV), after a short but intense 94.8 kilometre race from Novi Ligure in Piedmont to Genoa on the Ligurian Coast.

Here’s what Jule had to say about a result that reflects her steady but noticeable upward trajectory as a second-year elite rider – continuing her strong form after impressive rides at La Volta Ciclista Femenina a Osona:

“Personally, I went into the race without any expectations because I feel really tired after these days [in Osona]. But, in the race, I realised that my legs aren’t that bad, so I tried my best to help the team.

There were two climbs – one that was 2km in length then a long descent, and then another climb of 2.5km, which was a bit more steep. Also after that, there were some small ‘speed bumps’ until the second proper descent, so it was quite hard in this section. Our plan was to, if Tata [Maria Martins] was there after the second climb, go for the sprint with her and if not, Awen and Emily [Dixon] try to attack there and do something. But, I think the problem we had was that we didn’t expect it to be that fast or for splits to already happen on the first climb where the first QOM point was. After the QOM, the leaders went really full gas into the downhill. So unfortunately there, Awen lost the first group and I was also too far behind in this situation.

I then caught back to Awen’s group in the descent, so we two were together at the bottom with like 10 riders away. I tried to close the gap for Awen so that she could go in the second climb. I think the gap was like 10-15 seconds going into the next climb between us and this front group. 

After chasing, I dropped from the group, but then actually caught back on once we were a bit further into the climb. I then saw Awen again after the descent, who told me she couldn’t quite catch them back. This was really unfortunate, and the problem was actually back at the first split when we were not there. 

Once I came back to Awen’s group, we then went for the sprint with me. Awen did a really good job there – we switched leader roles really quick and she then tried to catch the break again for me. Unfortunately again, we still couldn’t get them, so she lead me out and I won the sprint from this group. I think we made the best out of it.

Because we were only four riders today, there were some attacks before this main part of the race where we needed to make like a guessing game – which we follow, which not. So the fact that we are only four riders and also that all of us were a bit tired from the last few weeks, I would say it’s an okay result. I think we could have done more with a better preparation or by doing some little things differently, for example, in this descent being in a better position. As I said though, we did basically the best out of it.”

It’s a quick turnaround now for Jule, who heads straight home to prepare for the German National Championships – starting with the time trial on Thursday, followed by Saturday’s road race. Both events take place just minutes from her doorstep, and in a special twist, this year’s organiser is none other than her father – making this year’s nationals particularly meaningful.