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        Ronde van Gelderland

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De Goede takes 47th edition in cold, windy conditions

Apeldoorn, Netherlands,  139 km

Race Writeup

Suzanne De Goede (Skil-Argos) took victory from Chantal Blaak (AA Drink) in a two-up sprint just ahead of their 4 other breakaway companions. Megan Guarnier (Tibco) beat Amanda Spratt (GreenEGE-AIS) to the line for the last place on the podium. The six broke away from a lead group of 22 in the closing 25 kilometres of the race.

The race was cold and windy. At 23km, a crash mid-peloton affected many riders, several were delayed at the scene requiring medical assistance. At least one taken to hospital from there. The race was neutralised for about 7 kilometres, to allow delayed riders and the team cars / convoy to reach rest of the race again safely.  It was really cold, the wind was strong as a head wind in the narrow lanes at the north of the course.  

The passage through the Heuveland Park, seemed easier this year, the climbs were done from the opposite direction to previous years, except Posbank and its narrow, winding descent.  

There were no real attacks with teeth, but AA Drink and GreenEDGE-AIS were active. Chantal Blaak worked hard and did well to make the break of 6 riders and come second given her  workload throughout the race. GreenEDGE-AIS tried to send riders away and to make the pace, but weren’t able, although Amanda Spratt got in the break of 6, which was in the closing 25 kilometres. Suzanne de Goede was comfortable throughout the race and is looking fit at the moment, she sprinted very capably and was never challenged by Blaak, second. Guarnier won the sprint for third  from Spratt and then later, Wild took the sprint for seventh.

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