Karolina Perekitko between the best riders in Brabantse Pijl

Apr 18, 2025, 11:43 PM

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Photo credit : Quentin Photographie BE

Karolina Perekitko showed her strength on Friday in the Brabantse Pijl (1.Pro). The Polish rider finished in the first chasing group behind the winner Elisa Longo Borgini, Italian champion.

Without any real breakaway during the day, the race was mostly an elimination race from behind. "The race was quite intense from the start, confirmed Karolina. We had the plan to go for me, as a leader. We tried to stay as much as possible at the front. For us, it was the first big classic together with this group, we need to find each other to stay in the front but I think we did it well. The crucial moment were on the cobbles sections, where girls putted me in the front. I did my best to stay with the best girls and hold the good wheels. I know what I can improve. I am really looking forward to the next races to do better with the girls".

Badluck for Jenaya Francis

Jenaya Francis rode also in the group of favorites in the final. Unfortunately she crash with 15 kilometers to go. "I was figthing really hard, I saw a space in front of me and I misjudged this space. Other girls were fighting too and I crashed there", she explains. She put things into perspective. "Physically I feel really good, like Karo and the other girls of the team. Karolina is so strong. I could see all the day she was flying. I think she's learning to be patient and judge the moment to use her strengh. It's so cool to see her finish it off". Jenaya Francis will also ride Amstel Gold Race on Sunday. "It could be really crazy. I lived near Valkenburg during two years so I can help the girls to manage the chaos".

Results :

14th - Karolina Perekitko

63rd - Aurela Nerlo

67th - Marie-Morgane Le Deunff

79th - Jenaya Francis