Antwerp Port Epic Ladies: Femke Markus solos to victory in SD Worx-Protime podium sweep

Femke Markus secured a commanding solo victory at the Antwerp Port Epic Ladies race, marking her second professional win and leading a dominant performance by the SD Worx-Protime team. Markus broke away from a select lead group with 26 kilometres remaining and maintained her advantage to the finish line. Her teammate Marta Lach claimed second place in a sprint finish over two minutes behind, while Femke Gerritse completed the team’s strong showing on the podium at the fourth edition of this challenging one-day Belgian event. The race unfolded over a demanding 143-kilometre course featuring 40 hybrid cobble and gravel sectors, with riders contending with windy, exposed roads and high temperatures. The peloton was frequently disrupted by crashes, adding to the race’s difficulty. Early on, SD Worx-Protime set a high pace that fragmented the field, with Markus initially joining an attack alongside Anneke Dijkstra after around 50 kilometres. Despite a crash with 85 kilometres to go, Markus remained active in several breakaway attempts, demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen. As the race progressed, the leading riders were repeatedly caught by a select chasing group, which included strong contenders from teams such as Fenix-Premier Tech and Cofidis. Markus launched multiple attacks before finally breaking clear for good in the closing stages. Her decisive move was the culmination of sustained aggression and teamwork, underscoring SD Worx-Protime’s control of the race and their ability to execute a winning strategy. The result highlights the growing strength of SD Worx-Protime in women’s cycling, with a podium sweep signalling their depth and coordination. Markus’s victory not only adds to her personal palmarès but also cements the team’s status as a dominant force in the classics and one-day races. Looking ahead, this performance will likely boost the team’s confidence and momentum as the season progresses, with expectations for continued success in upcoming events.