(Montreal) The cohesion of the UAE Team ADQ formation, which includes Quebecer Olivia Baril, allowed the Italian Eleonora Gasparrini to win the third stage of the Tour de Suisse in the sprint on Monday, in Ebnat-Kappel.
Gasparrini, 21, thus signed the first victory of his career at a World Tour event. Third in the first stage, she accelerated at the very end of the course on Monday and narrowly overtook Cuban Arlenis Sierra (Movistar) on her left after having started her sprint perfectly. Czech Tereza Neumanova (Liv Racing TeqFind), who was closely following Gasparrini, finished third.
“My team did an outstanding job today (Monday). They helped me whenever I needed it, so I have to thank them! shared the winner after her triumph at the microphone of the International Cycling Union (UCI).
Her teammates supported her so that she could conserve her energy until the last climb and propel her into the final sprint.
“We had two goals today: to win the race with Gaspa, then to get back into the top 10 of the general classification. We hit them both! mentioned Olivia Baril to Sportcom, she who ranked 12th on Monday, at the same time as the leaders.
The Quebecer now occupies the tenth place (2 minutes and 28 seconds) of the provisional general classification, still led by Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser (SD Worx).
“We’re really happy! Gaspa had a really good sprint and it’s a great stage for her. We worked hard to get the breakaway back, so it’s really a team win,” added Baril.
Slovenian Uska Zigart (Jayco-AlUla) seemed in good shape to win on Monday. She was part of a six-rider breakaway when she attacked on the final climb of the 120.8 kilometer stage. Despite her best efforts and a 45 second lead over the peloton, Zigart was caught with less than 100 meters to go.
For her part, Clara Émond crossed the finish line in 29th place (49 seconds), along with her Dutch teammate Maaike Coljé from the Arkéa Pro Cycling Team.
Émond remains the highest ranked runner in her team in the provisional general classification, in 41st place (6 minutes 7 seconds).
The fourth and final stage of the Tour de Suisse will take place on Tuesday over 100.8 kilometers.
