Juliette Labous powers 3rd in rain-soaked edition of Giro dell’Emilia

One-day racing returned for our W
Labous said, ‘Today was a rainy and fast race. We were always well together, and everything was under control. The girls did perfect positioning for Nienke and me before the first climb to San Luca. Longo Borghini opened a gap on the descent, and no one chased at the bottom, so she had quite a lead by the last climb. Nienke attacked, and I tried to counter and chase Elisa, but it wasn’t enough. I’m happy to get a podium for the team though, and I’m also pleased with how strong I felt today. We all did well, so we can be motivated again for Tuesday.’
Team dsm-firmenich PostNL coach Kelvin Dekker added, ‘It was really rainy and cold all day, so we focused on staying together and avoiding trouble throughout the race. We knew positioning towards San Luca would be crucial, and we made a solid plan for that, which we executed well. The girls started their ascent in a good position, and we had Juliette and Nienke in a small group over the top. In the end, two riders were a bit stronger than Juliette, but to finish on the podium in such a high-level race is a great confirmation that we’re still very strong and sharp as a team at this late stage in the season. We’ve got one more race to aim even higher, but we’re feeling good after today’s race.’
omen’s program with the first of two Italian races at the Giro dell’Emilia. It was a fast race in terrible weather conditions, and it took a while before a breakaway duo got a gap on the peloton. Team dsm-firmenich PostNL was riding well together in the peloton, positioning Juliette Labous and Nienke Vinke well for the ascent to San Luca, where the breakaway was caught. The race split up over the top of the climb, but Juliette and Nienke remained in the small lead group. Elisa Longo Borghini managed to open a gap on the descent and stayed away for the victory, while Juliette fought her way to a well-deserved podium finish for the team, coming third on the day.
 
Labous said: “Today was a rainy and fast race. We were always well together, and everything was under control. The girls did perfect positioning for Nienke and me before the first climb to San Luca. Longo Borghini opened a gap on the descent, and no one chased at the bottom, so she had quite a lead by the last climb. Nienke attacked, and I tried to counter and chase Elisa, but it wasn’t enough. I’m happy to get a podium for the team though, and I’m also pleased with my legs today. We all did well, so we can be motivated again for Tuesday.”
Team dsm-firmenich PostNL coach Kelvin Dekker added: “It was really rainy and cold all day, so we focused on staying together and avoiding trouble throughout the race. We knew positioning towards San Luca would be crucial, and we made a solid plan for that, which we executed well. The girls started their ascent in a good position, and we had Juliette and Nienke in a small group over the top. In the end, two riders were a bit stronger than Juliette, but to finish on the podium in such a high-level race is a great confirmation that we’re still very strong and sharp as a team at this late stage in the season. We’ve got one more race to aim even higher, but we’re feeling good after today’s race.”