Kristen Faulkner (EF Education-Cannondale) took her first victory of 2024 with a solo ride of more than 50 kilometers on Sunday at Omloop van het Hageland. Mischa Bredewold (Team SD Worx – Protime) won the sprint for second from the chase group, and Pfeiffer Georgi (Team dsm-firmenich PostNL) rounded out the podium for third.
Faulkner attacked out of the peloton with more than 55 kilometers remaining in the race and bridged up to Continental rider Nora Jenčušová (Bepink-Bongioanni). The duo worked together holding a gap of around 1:30, until Faulkner upped the pace and dropped Jenčušová. On her own, Faulkner quickly increased her gap with the help of her teammates in the peloton and extended it to more than two minutes. A chase group led by Lizzie Deigan (Lidl-Trek) attempted to organize with around 40 kilometers remaining but it wasn’t enough, at the finish Faulkner still had a gap of 1’41”.
Afterwards, Faulkner explained how her original tactics changed. “I didn’t want to go solo, I attacked and no one came with me but I was trying to get a group going so that was initially the goal.”
Faulkner’s teammate, Alison Jackson, praised both the team and Faulkner for the success. “I think we controlled the race really well. Kristen had an amazing ride. We just focused on slowing things down and giving her the best chance possible.”
Teammate Letizia Borghesi (#21) congratulates Faulkner
Teamwork was the key for Faulkner’s win
Faulkner leads the peloton with teammate Alison Jackson on her wheel
Lizzie Deigan (Lidl-Trek) initiated the chase, but it was already too late
Continental rider Nora Jenčušová held the lead early on in the race
Results
https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/omloop-van-het-hageland-tielt-winge/2024/result
