Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory

Clara Copponi delivered a commanding performance to secure victory in the Ronde de Mouscron, showcasing her sprinting prowess in a dominant finish. The French rider, supported by a strong Lidl-Trek team, powered away in the final straight to claim her fifth win of the season and the first of 2026. Copponi’s decisive sprint left last year’s winner Susanne Andersen and Spain’s Alicia Gonzalez trailing, emphasising her strength and tactical acumen on the flat, fast course. The 125km race unfolded on relentlessly flat terrain under sunny skies, with early breakaway attempts quickly neutralised by the peloton. Lidl-Trek, intent on controlling the race, kept the bunch together despite efforts from riders like Lonneke Uneken and Febe Jooris to escape. As the race progressed, repeated attacks failed to break the field, reinforcing the expectation that the event would culminate in a bunch sprint, a pattern consistent with the race’s history. In the closing stages, the battle for position intensified with Lidl-Trek, Uno X-Mobility, and Lotto-Intermarché taking turns to lead the peloton. On the slight incline approaching the finish, Copponi launched a powerful sprint well before the line, maintaining a relentless pace that left her rivals unable to respond. Her early acceleration and sustained speed secured a clear victory by several bike lengths, underlining her status as one of the season’s standout sprinters. Copponi’s win not only adds to her growing palmarès but also highlights Lidl-Trek’s effective team strategy and control throughout the race. The result sets a promising tone for the season ahead, with Copponi demonstrating both form and confidence. As the racing calendar progresses, her ability to dominate in bunch sprints will make her a key contender in upcoming one-day races and classics.