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EPZ Omloop van Borsele
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Racing continues in the
Netherlands for the EPZ Omloop van Borsele. The race wraps up
three days of racing that including junior races an elite
women's time trial before the 136.7km UCI road race. Defending
Champion Chloe Hosking caused an upset last year beating
Kirsten Wild in a sprint to take one of the biggest wins of
her career.
Kirsten Wild holds the record of wins here, with four in a row
between 2008 and 2011 and is back looking to make it number
five after taking another win at Ronde van Gelderland. There
are three other winners Vera Koedooder (2013), Ellen Van Dijk
(2012) and Loes Gunnewijk who won the first edition in 2002.
Despite the flat course the location and wind often result in
a select group contesting the win. Most of the top sprinters
and here but still expect lots of action with others wanting
to split the race up.
2014 Results
1 Chloe HOSKING
2 Kirsten WILD +0
3 Eleonora VAN DIJK +0
4 Leah KIRCHMANN +0
5 Martina ZWICK +0
6 Pauline FERRAND PREVOT +0
7 Gracie ELVIN +0
8 Rossella RATTO +0
9 Nina KESSLER +0
10 Annemiek VAN VLEUTEN +0
Past Winners
2014 - Chloe Hosking
2013 - Vera Koedooder
2012 - Ellen van Dijk
2011 - Kirsten Wild
2010 - Kirsten Wild
2009 - Kirsten Wild
2008 - Kirsten Wild
2007 - Marianne Vos
2006 - Marianne Vos
2005 - Marianne Vos
2004 - Chantal Beltman
2003 - Leontien Zijlaard-van Moorsel
2002 - Loes Gunnewijk
The Route
The 136.7km race starts in s-Heerenhoek for four laps of an
opening 24km circuit before four laps of a finishing circuit
of 9.88km. Most of the race is held very near to the coast
wind is the most important factor in the race.
The Contenders
Start list available
here
Chloe Hosking and Wiggle Honda
Wiggle Honda has sprint riches to choose from and here they
have defending champion Chloe Hosking who managed to out
sprint Kirsten D'hoore last year. Hosking has played a key
role in a number of the teams wins this year and as defending
champion could get a chance to defend it.
Giorgia Bronzini can always be counted on and when it comes to
a sprint she is one of the best in the world. Dani King
returns from injury for her first UCI race of the season.
Ronde van Vlaanderen winner Elisa Longo Borghini along with
Amy Roberts and Eileen Roe round out a very strong squad.
Melissa Hoskins
While Hoskins didn't quite get the result she was chasing on
the weekend finishing 11th it is likely to fire her on to get
a strong result here. Took two stage wins at the Santos
Women's Tour in January before a maiden individual national
title in the points race and then the team pursuit World
title.
The team has other options with Emma Johansson always with the
best and former winner Loes Gunnewijk another card to play.
Track duo Alex Manly and Macey Stewart are settling in well
and will also be important.
Lucinda Brand and Anouska Koster
Rabo might not have a big name contender for the race but both
Brand and Koster could produce results. Brand is not a pure
sprinter but still packs a quick finish. Was in the top 10 on
every stage of the Energiewacht Tour. Expect to see her take
advantage of the win. 21 year old Anouska Koster is now on one
of the biggest teams in the world and in the right situation
could produce a strong result.
Barbara Guarischi
The Italian sprinter has proven to be a good signing for
Velocio-SRAM. Has four podium finished and was very close to a
stage win at the Energiewacht Tour. Third at Ronde van
Gelderland on Sunday.
Kirsten Wild
A delayed start to her road season paid dividends as she
claimed gold in the scratch race and bronze in the omnium at
the Track World Championships in February. Won Novilon Eurocup
in March and added another stage at the Energiewacht Tour.
Despite her stage win didn't seem as dominant as she has in
the past but then claimed a third win in a row at Ronde van
Gelderland showing she is still a force to be reckoned with.
Has won here three times 2009-11 and nearly added a fourth
title but was pipped by Chloe Hosking.
Boels Dolmans
Ellen Van Dijk has a strong record at the race winning in 2012
from a select six rider group, finished third last year from a
14 rider group and also finished fifth in 2010.
Lizzie Armitstead is capable of winning in a bunch sprint or
from a select group. Has bigger targets and is likely to be
happy to give one of her teammates a chance to shine here. The
team likes to use the tactic of sending riders back to the
road and forcing others to chase.
Chantal Blaak is always on the attack and can win a sprint
from a select group. Don't underestimate reigning Junior World
Champion Amalie Dideriksen who has won a number of sprints
from chasing groups this year.
Shelley Olds
One of the most consistent sprinters in the women's peloton
but crashed out of Boels Rental Ronde van Drenthe in March.
Makes her return here and what her form will be like is a big
unknown. Olds is almost always in contention in a sprint and
while she has one of the fastest finishes is just not quite as
quick as the likes of Wild, Vos and Bronzini.
Vera Koedooder
2013 winner Koedooder is another rider from Bigla who has had
injury issues this year. Returned last weekend at Ronde van
Gelderland and her 35thplace finish doesn't tell the full
story. Was on the attack as she always is and while it didn't
work out it shows despite limited racing is on good form. One
of the most attacking riders and can always be counted on to
liven up the race. Bigla is chasing their first win and
knowing Olds can be counted on in a sprint Koedooder can
attack and take the pressure off the team.
Amy Pieters
With Lucy Garner not in the line up Pieters will have another
chance for herself. Not a pure sprinter but still quick in the
line. Her best result of the year was second at Boels Rental
Ronde van Drenthe where she nearly upset Wiggle in the finish.
Has also finished top 10 at Novilon Eurocup, Gent-Wevelgem, Le
Samyn and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
Kim de Baat
Not a rider that could be considered a big favourite. Eighth
at Ronde van Gelderland and could surprise with another top
10.
Other names to watch: Lotte Kopecky, Janneke Ensing, Tiffany
Cromwell, Lauren Rowney, Lauren Kitchen, Floortje Mackaij, Lotta Lepisto, Marta
Tagliaferro, Annalisa Cucinotta and Maria Giulia Confalonieri. |
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