Vancouver’s Sidney Swierenga was so close to her first big win in the elite ranks on Saturday, taking second at the Grand Prix du Morbihan Féminin. She won the sprint from the chase group, just behind solo winner Eline Jansen (VolkerWessels).
Jansen attacked in the final metres of the Côte de Cadoudal after her teammates controlled much of the racing across the 83-km event, part of the Coupe de France series.
Swierenga, riding for Liv AlUla Jayco, finished runner-up, while France’s Émilie Morier took third.
Laval, Que.’s Émilie Fortin (Minimax Cycling Team) continued her strong season after a few years of illness. She just missed the top 10, coming in 11th.
Emilie Fortin on her first Tour of Flanders
“Everyone gave it everything out there today,” Swierenga, 18, who is racing in her first year with the elites. “It was a really fast, short, but hard race. The team was amazing all day, and in the end I was able to fight for second place, which I’m really happy about. It’s my first elite podium, so I’m super excited. I really fought all the way to the line on a tough finish, and we’re all really happy with the result.”
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