Marta Lach repeats victory with close sprint over teammate at Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich

Marta Lach of SD Worx-Protime successfully defended her title at the Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich, edging out her teammate Femke Gerritse in a tightly contested sprint finish. Lach’s victory marked her first win in a year, replicating last year’s photo finish triumph in a similar scenario. The race concluded with a 12-rider lead group sprinting for the line, with Lach and Gerritse crossing almost simultaneously, separated by less than half a wheel. The 112.4km course featured a mix of flat and hilly terrain through western Luxembourg, including a categorised climb and multiple circuits with ascents over Rebierg. The peloton remained largely intact until the final 60km, when a breakaway of six riders briefly gained ground. However, the SD Worx-Protime team, with strong support from riders like Elena Cecchini and Barbara Guarischi, controlled the pace and successfully brought back the attackers before the final lap. The race dynamics were shaped by a series of aggressive moves in the closing stages, with SD Worx-Protime riders playing a pivotal role in setting up the sprint. Lach and Gerritse collaborated effectively to secure their positions at the front of the group, demonstrating their team’s tactical strength. Meanwhile, Eline Jansen of VolkerWessels Cycling narrowly took third place ahead of Ilse Pluimers, rounding out a competitive podium. Lach’s repeat victory at this event underscores her consistency and sprinting prowess, particularly in high-pressure finishes against strong teammates. The result also highlights SD Worx-Protime’s depth and strategic execution in women’s professional cycling. Looking ahead, this performance may boost Lach’s confidence and position her as a key contender in upcoming races on the women’s calendar.