Marta Bastianelli (UAE Team ADQ) took victory on the opening stage of the Festival Elsy Jacobs in Steinfort, grabbing her second win of the season ahead of Ally Wollaston (AG Insurance-Soudal-QuickStep) and her UAE teammate Eleonora Gasparrini.
The 111km stage, the first of two at the race, took the peloton into the hills, including a hilly closing circuit that featured the Côte de Septfontaines (1.3km at 7.8%). That climb came for the final time at around 10km from the line.
Having taken 10 bonus seconds at the finish as well as a three-second time bonus earlier in the stage, Bastianelli now enjoys a strong advantage heading into Sunday's closing stage. She lies five seconds up on Wollaston, seven up on Gasparrini, and eight up on Koster.
The chasing peloton was led home by Femke Gerritse (Parkhotel Valkenburg), who lies fifth at 13 seconds down.
Results
Results powered by FirstCycling
-
Castelli ditches Gore-Tex for the new Perfetto RoS 3, and I think I prefer the old one
A highly technical garment with environmentally-friendly construction, but too breezy for proper winter conditions, so you'll need a better base layer (and a waterproof hardshell too) -
'Long day, long climbs, and a bit of oxygen deprivation' provide fuel for five-time Leadville winner Keegan Swenson to achieve Marathon MTB world championship dream
Kate Courtney's overcomes late puncture for second world title and gives Leadville Trail 100 MTB elite riders a sweep in Switzerland -
Valladolid to deploy 450 police for Vuelta a España time trial amid indications pro-Palestine protests could further intensify
Government official warns of 'signs of extra action' planned by protestors -
Best bike bells: Safety and style on the bike
Help keep yourself and others safe with one of the best bike bells
