A breakaway to close out the spring classics

Apr 28, 2025, 03:43 AM

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Photo credit : Quentin Photographie BE

Liège–Bastogne–Liège marked the end of the spring classics campaign. For the occasion, Team Winspace Orange Seal aimed to keep its offensive momentum going. Constance Valentin delivered on that ambition by joining the day’s main breakaway, while Karolina Perekitko, well supported by teammates Nadia Gontova, Florence Normand, Camille Fahy, and Marine Allione, finished in 33rd place after spending much of the race hanging on with the favorites.

Constance Valentin leads over four climbs

Once again, the objective was to be part of the race action. "Our goal was to get someone up the road, and today it was my turn," explained Constance Valentin, who made the most of her breakaway effort by taking the first place atop four categorized climbs: Mont-le-Soie and the legendary Wanne-Stockeu-Haute Levée trilogy. Notably, she was first to crest the famous Eddy Merckx monument climb at mid-race. "I had good legs today, so I’m really happy. Plus, we had thoroughly reconned the course with the team, so we were well prepared," she added.

Sports director Damien Pommereau also expressed satisfaction with the team's performance : "Once again, we were lining up in a WorldTour event featuring the strongest women's peloton you can imagine. We also know this is arguably the toughest one-day race on the women’s calendar, with all the climbs and the race distance," he emphasized. "We’re optimistic, but also realistic. We know it’s extremely difficult to compete purely on physical strength at this level. So our objective is to make an impact — meaning getting into the breakaway whenever possible. Constance did exactly that, leading over four climbs. It’s a very positive outcome for her and for the team. Once again, even if we’re not finishing inside the top 20, we’re animating the race, and that’s important."

The overall assessment of the classics campaign is a positive one, according to Pommereau : "In general, I think we’re exactly where we need to be. Even if the final results aren’t spectacular, for the team’s development and the riders' growth, it’s crucial to be present in these races," he said. He highlighted the progress made collectively : "As a ProTeam, it’s our duty to be here. There’s no point in only racing lower-level events and collecting small results. I prefer that we’re here, learning and improving at our own pace. Every race brings valuable experience."

Focus shifts to Brittany and Spain

With the spring classics now behind them, the WOS riders will enjoy a brief break from racing before returning to competition on May 8th, with three consecutive events in Brittany. Afterward, the calendar will shift toward races in Spain through the end of May. "My coach and I knew this period would be important," said Constance Valentin. "I can feel my form building step by step. I think we’ll be aiming for a strong result as a team. The races in Brittany will be more suited to us, so we’ll have more opportunities to express ourselves. Then we’ll take on some WorldTour events in Spain, with a similar fighting spirit to what we showed today."

This outlook is shared by her sports director, Damien Pommereau : "May will be a busy month, with a variety of race profiles. We’ll start with three French races: the Grand Prix du Morbihan, Plumelec, and La Classique Morbihan–Pointe du Raz — a kind of mini Tro Bro Léon for women. It’s going to be interesting. Then we’ll head to Spain for two one-day races and two stage races, including the WorldTour events Itzulia Women and Vuelta a Burgos Féminas. These will be tough races, but we’ll continue to build steadily, helping the riders to progress, targeting breakaways for confidence, and chasing results when opportunities arise."

Results :

33rd - Karolina Perekitko

55th - Constance Valentin

74th - Marine Allione

79th - Nadia Gontova