Top 10 for Karolina Perekitko at Trofeo Palma

Jan 27, 2025, 12:36 AM

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Photo credit: Marco Barrais

Seventeenth last year, Karolina Perekitko shone again at Trofeo Palma. Accompanied by new recruits Jenaya Francis, Nadia Gontova, Marie-Morgane Le Deunff, Kiara Lylyk and Fiona Mangan, the spearhead of the French team crossed the line in seventh place. Two-time Irish champion Fiona Morgan was also at the front of the race.

Only two races were needed to witness the first top 10 for WOS in 2025. On a hilly course, Karolina Perekitko, as usual, showed all her climbing skills. Just 10 seconds behind Mavi García (Spain) and Marlen Reusser (Movistar) with 10km to go, the Polish rider attacked in the final hectometers to distance her direct rivals and try to snatch third place. Without success, the 26 year-old finished two places outside the top five and four off the podium. A very positive seventh place. "The girls did an incredible job. They protected me on the flat and positioned themselves well on the climbs. I'm happy that the girls have confidence in me", she says.

"I felt really good", Fiona Mangan

One WOS rider can hide another. Fiona Mangan broke away from a group of around ten riders in the first hour of the race and used her strength to take third place in the Sineu sprint with 52.6km to go. As the peloton closed in on the leaders, the former Cynisca Cycling rider, accompanied by René Van Hoot (VELOPRO - Alphamotorhomes CT), broke away to join Océane Mahé (Arkéa-B&B Hôtels). They were caught as the race approached the hundred kilometre mark. "I felt really good", explains the two-time Irish champion. "It was a great experience to be in the breakaway. I'm just disappointed that the breakaway didn't stay out longer."

First race for Jenaya Francis and Nadia Gontova

As well as the Irish shamrock, the Canadian maple leaf also made its debut. Jenaya Francis and Nadia Gontova rode for the first time in their new colours. "The team made my first professional race an unforgettable experience. I loved seeing the Winspace jerseys riding together in the peloton. I'm proud to have helped the girls position Karolina Perekikto at the beginning", says Jenaya Francis. For her compatriot, the stage was more complicated. "Personally, it wasn't the best day. It was a difficult day but the girls all rode really hard ! I can't wait to have another chance tomorrow", concludes Nadia Gontova. Majorca won't be leaving Karolina Perekitko and her team-mates, as they will be at the start of the Trofeo Binissalem-Andratx.

Results :

Karolina Perekitko : 7th

Marie-Morgane Le Deunff : 27th

Nadia Gontova : 32nd

Jenaya Francis : 42nd

Kiara Lylyk : 46th

Fiona Mangan : 61st