Lorena Wiebes makes a winning comeback after Giro d'Italia disqualification with a commanding victory at the Copenhagen Sprint

Lorena Wiebes marked a strong return to racing with a dominant victory at the Copenhagen Sprint, overcoming recent disappointment following her disqualification on the opening stage of the Giro d’Italia Women. The Dutch sprinter, representing SD Worx-Protime, showcased her sprinting prowess by launching a decisive acceleration 250 metres from the finish line, leaving her rivals unable to respond. Charlotte Kool and Nienke Veenhoven completed the podium, with Kool narrowly edging out Veenhoven for second place after recovering from a late mechanical issue. The race unfolded over 156 kilometres, beginning near Roskilde Cathedral and featuring a challenging route through North Zealand before concluding with laps on a city-centre circuit in Copenhagen. An early breakaway of seven riders was closely monitored by the peloton, particularly by Wiebes’ team, which controlled the pace to prevent the escapees from gaining a significant advantage. Despite a solo attack by Silje Antvorskov in the final laps, the sprinters’ teams successfully reeled her in, setting the stage for a high-speed bunch sprint. Wiebes credited her team’s relentless work throughout the day for her victory, emphasising the motivation she drew from their efforts. Reflecting on her comeback, she acknowledged the extra drive she felt after the setback at the Giro, describing the win as a satisfying way to bounce back. The tactical battle in the closing kilometres saw sprint trains jostling for position, with Wiebes expertly navigating the hectic finale to claim a commanding triumph. The outcome of the Copenhagen Sprint not only restores Wiebes’ confidence but also signals her readiness to contend for more victories in the season ahead. Her performance underlines the strength of SD Worx-Protime’s sprinting squad and their ability to control races from start to finish. As Wiebes continues to build momentum, her rivals will be watching closely in upcoming events, anticipating further thrilling finishes.