On Saturday 4 March 2023, the Strade Bianche took place in Siena, thus launching the UCI Women’s World Tour season. A departure scheduled at 9:15 am to face the 136 kilometers of course, including 32 kilometers of agricultural paths, with a long-awaited arrival in the famous Piazza del Campo.
The race went very well collectively. Unfortunately, we lost Victorie to sector 5, which had difficulty breathing and throat taken. From there, the race took place with Marie, Vittoria and Grace, who did a great job to put Cecilie in the best conditions.
Annemiek VVAN VLEUTEN (MOVISTAR) and Lotte KOPECKY (SD WORKS) broke away in the 7th sector. Behind, a group of five runners formed, with a Cecilie who had to make many efforts to join the lead. On the outskirts of Siena, Grace managed to make her return in the group. Thus, twelve runners presented themselves at the foot of the last ascent. Grace drove very hard to counter the attacks before the final climb and Cecilie finished in 5th place on the finish line of Piazza del Campo.
A nice performance despite a slight taste of unfinished. The girls gave their best and this is the most important.
Cédric BARRE (Sport Director)
Cecilie UTTRUP LUDWIG finally finished 3rd in the event following the downgrading of Kristen FAULKNER, for use of a blood glucose sensor on the race. This is the best result of the team on the Italian classic.
It was very moving for me to run on my roads, because there were many spectators who encouraged me, which gave me additional motivation. Of course, it was a difficult race, and the wind made it even harder. I think we worked well as a team, we were always present in the attacks. I gave everything up to the 6th sector of paths to help the team, and then everything went according to plan.
Vittoria GUAZZINI
© Aymeric Lassak