Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Giorgia Bronzini took victory in the third and final stage of the Tour of Chongming Island, as she outsprinted the peloton at the end of the 80.8km City Circuit Race. The former two-time road World Champion managed to outpace Dutch sprinter Kirsten Wild (Giant-Shimano) – the winner of the race’s first two stages – with American Shelley Olds (Alé-Cipollini) taking third.
Time bonuses on the line meant that Bronzini finished the three-day race in third place, one place better than 2013 and her best ever in the Chinese stage race.
“It was a really amazing race,” Bronzini said afterwards. “In the first laps I was involved in a big crash! It was not so bad, but I had to change my bike two times!
“And the girls made the race hard all day,” she continued. “I’m really proud of that. In the end they made me a good and perfect lead out!
“It was amazing!” Bronzini repeated. “I would like to say thanks to everyone!”
Despite Bronzini’s early crash, the Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling team worked hard with some of the other teams to keep the race moving at a fast pace and prevent any attacks from breaking away. On the wide boulevard finishing straight, the Italian sprinter was launched to the line and, such was the speed of the lead out, former Team Time Trial World Champion Charlotte Becker managed to hold on to take fifth place.
“The team rode exceptionally well today, I’m extremely proud of everyone here,” said Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling team manager Rochelle Gilmore. “Wiggle Honda put all their competitors under pressure.
“Each member of the team rode stronger than I’ve seen previously this year,” the Australian added. “Our motivation after last night’s team meeting was high and our plan was executed perfectly.”
The team’s next race will be Sunday’s Tour of Chongming Island World Cup, over similar roads to those covered in the three-day stage race. Bronzini finished the race in second place last year – winning the bunch sprint behind a lone breakaway rider, after the peloton was misdirected in the final kilometre – and confidence is high for the former World Champion to go one better this time.
Result
1. Giorgia Bronzini (Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling)
2. Kirsten Wild (Giant-Shimano)
3. Shelley Olds (Alé-Cipollini)
Photo Credit: Anne Wu/7cycling.com
