A taste of Spring: Chabbey outfoxes and Seixas impresses in second

 

The Strade Bianche Donne was eventful and welcomed a new, surprise winner. Many of the race’s main favourites were taken off the race after following a motorbike off course, add punctures and mechanicals, the final flurry was a select group with an all-out sprint following the Via Santa Caterina. Elise Chabbey took the front in the tricky corners in the streets of Siena and managed to take the victory at the Piazza del Campo ahead of Niewiadoma and Koch. Italian favorite Longo Borghini had to settle with a fourth place. It was Elise Chabbey (FDJ United Suez) who took the biggest win of her career outfoxing the foxes.

“I didn’t even know I was the first Swiss to win. Demi is the best rider, but unfortunately she had a problem and it was only Franziska and me. I was in the breakaway and I was really on the limit so many times. So many times in my head I was like, I just wanted to give up, but then I was like, ‘no, for Demi that is behind and for all the work my teammates did, I need to go to the finish.’ I passed the line first and I just cannot realize it.”

-Elise Chabbey

Tadej Pogacar launched his race-winning move with 78 kilometres remaining on the Monte Sante Marie and rode off alone for his fourth Strade Bianche victory. Behind him, 19-year-old French prospect Paul Seixas managed to respond before eventually settling for an impressive second place. 

“Yes, I’m impressed. He put in a great race. He showed that he knows how to ride a bike and that he’s capable of racing under pressure. He has incredible legs; he’s a real powerhouse.”

-Tadej Pogacar

“ It’s tough, very tough. It really hurts the legs a lot. I suffered a small breakaway, Del Toro blocked everyone. He didn’t want to let me pass: when I overtook him, he got back in front and braked. That I still finished second and managed to get Del Toro off my wheel was incredible. I’m very happy with my second place. It’s incredible to be here.”

-Paul Sexias