Trofee Maarten Wynants: Gladys Verhulst-Wild leads AG Insurance-Soudal one-two in sprint finish

Gladys Verhulst-Wild secured a significant victory at the Trofee Maarten Wynants in Helchteren, marking her first win in three years. The French cyclist showcased her sprinting prowess by outpacing a large peloton of 92 riders over the flat 116.6km course. Her triumph was complemented by a strong team performance, as her AG Insurance-Soudal teammate Marith Vanhove finished closely behind in second place, delivering a one-two finish for the squad. The race concluded with a tightly contested bunch sprint, where Scarlett Souren of VolkerWessels claimed third place, followed by Anna Vanderaerden from the Fenix-Premier Tech Development Team. Verhulst-Wild’s victory represents her first since August 2023, when she won La Picto - Charentaise, and it also marks the third win for AG Insurance-Soudal in the current season. The result highlights the team’s growing strength and cohesion in competitive women’s cycling. Reflecting on her win, Verhulst-Wild expressed a deep sense of personal achievement, emphasising the challenges she had faced over the past season and during her Classics campaign. She credited her teammates for their support throughout the race, describing the victory as a collective effort that made the success even more special. Her comments underline the resilience and determination required to return to winning form after a period without victories. Looking ahead, this result could signal a resurgence for Verhulst-Wild and her team as the season progresses. With momentum on their side, AG Insurance-Soudal may continue to be a formidable presence in upcoming races, particularly in sprint finishes where their riders have demonstrated strong capabilities. The win also adds to the narrative of competitive depth in women’s cycling, where teamwork and strategy remain crucial to success.