SPRINT CARD PLAYED: TOP 10 FOR CHIARA IN SANREMO WOMEN

In the second edition of Sanremo Women, a 156-kilometre race that on paper could favour either bold climbers or resilient sprinters, CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto ultimately depended on Italian fast-woman Chiara Consonni to deliver the result. She kept the fight alive all the way to the line, securing a hard-earned 10th place after a demanding finale.

While Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney animated the slopes of the sometimes-decisive Cipressa in the final 25km – alternating in and out of the saddle in her trademark, impassioned style – Chiara dug deep to stay within reach of the main bunch.

On the technical, sinuous descent that followed, misfortune struck as Kasia crashed heavily, her race ending in an instant.

Rosa Klöser, followed by Chiara, managed to regain contact with the leading group in the brief lull between the Cipressa descent and the final climb – the fabled Poggio. Around 50 riders swept through the chicane and into another uphill showdown, but this time the team was without its key climbing card.

Again, Chiara, supported by Rosa, fought to limit the losses on the 3.7km ascent, before charging into the final 5km with full focus on a five-rider move that had slipped clear on the Poggio.

After safely navigating the twisty descent, made even more precarious at race speed, and chasing full-gas along the straights into Via Roma, the gap proved to be just out of reach. The five leaders held on to fight for victory.

Here’s what Chiara had to say about how the second edition of Sanremo Women unfolded, with just nine seconds separating the pure sprinters from stealing the show on Sanremo’s bustling shopping street.

“I feel we raced well together. We had Cipressa as our key point to take it from the front. Soraya [Paladin] and Aga [Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka] did a lot of work to position me, Rosa and Kasia.

I knew Cipressa would be the hardest point for me. The pace was hard at the beginning, and I probably went a bit too deep, but once I got into my rhythm, I was with a good group on the downhill, and we could come back to the leaders before the Poggio. I know Poggio is a better climb for me. I couldn’t follow the attacks near the top of the Poggio, but I could be in the group of sprinters. 

Trek and FDJ worked to close the gap, but there wasn’t enough time with just 2km left to reach the five leaders. Rosa was there and willing to fight for the team, and help as much as she could for the sprint.

I was very motivated to do my sprint, although in hindsight, I didn’t start it from the best position. But, I’m pleased that I was there with the sprinters of Milano-Sanremo, so it gives motivation for next year.

It’s a shame for Kasia, because she was again showing how strong she is on the climb, and I hope she is okay after her crash. This part of the season is the highlight for me, and my shape is good, so I’ll look forward to the next chance at the races coming in Belgium.”

Kasia was assessed by our team doctor and sustained multiple cuts and bruises. We will continue to monitor her recovery closely. We wish Kasia, along with everyone else involved in today’s crashes, a smooth and speedy recovery.