Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Giorgia Bronzini sprinted into second place in the opening stage of the Trophée d’Or, between Saint-Amand-Montrond and Graçay, in central France, from a select group of five riders. The former two-time World champion was only beaten to the line by current rainbow jersey Marianne Vos (Rabobank-Liv/Giant), with Vos’ teammate Lucinda Brand in third.
“It was a very fast and technical finish. A real Vos-type finish,” said Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling directeur sportif Simon Cope. “There was a corner with about 220 metres to go, coming off quite a fast descent as well.
“The race split in the crosswinds,” Cope explained. “It just got whittled down really. A combination of the terrain, wind, and everything really. The roads are pretty heavy here, and it was rolling all day. The team rode really well, making sure that Giorgia made the selection.
“The climb in the end was steep, although it wasn’t that long. It was a bit like a Flanders-type climb really. Vos attacked up it the second time, and Giorgia was on her wheel. Vos looked round and was a bit surprised to see her there!”
Over the top of the final climb, the front group was down to just Vos and Brand of Rabobank-Li/Giant, fellow Dutchwoman Anna van der Breggen (Sengers Ladies), Valentina Scandolara (MCipollini-Giordana) and Bronzini.
“With two Rabobanks in the group of five, Giorgia was isolated a bit, but it’s a good result,” Cope added.
Having worked hard for Bronzini during the stage, Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Olympic champion Dani King finished ninth as part of the second group on the road.
“It’s a time trial stage tomorrow, so it’ll be interesting to see how Dani goes,” said Cope. “Giorgia will have to step on the pedals a bit, but if she rides like she did today in the rest of the stages – making the front group – then she’ll climb back up the GC anyway.”
Result
1. Marianne Vos (Rabobank-Liv/Giant)
2. Giorgia Bronzini (Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling)
3. Lucinda Brand (Rabobank-Liv/Giant)
