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Cholet Pays de Loire Dames
Preview |
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The first UCI race of the year in
France is the Cholet Pays de Loire Dames, the second round of
the Couple de France Dames.
Emma Johansson has dominated the race in recent years with
three wins including back to back in 2013 and 2014 but does
not return this year. Despite the open spot on the calendar
only three of the top 10 UCI teams are on the start list -
Hitec, Lotto Soudal and Wiggle Honda.
2014 Results
1 Emma JOHANSSON 3:02:01
2 Jolien D'HOORE +0
3 Elisa LONGO BORGHINI +0
4 Liesbeth DE VOCHT +4
5 Audrey CORDON +4
6 Sara MUSTONEN +4
7 Megan GUARNIER +6
8 Irene SAN SEBASTIAN +25
9 Amelie RIVAT +25
10 Eugenie DUVAL +1:22
Past Winners
2014 Emma Johansson
2013 Emma Johansson
2012 Audrey Cordon
2011 Emma Johansson
2010 Christelle Ferrier-Bruneau
2009 Florence Girardet
2008 Magali Mocquery
2007 Marina Jaunatre
The Route
The race takes place over four laps of a 29.5km undulating
circuit. Just before the 5km mark riders face the short but
steep Tessoualle climb. Over the top the riders continue to
climb for 3km to the Le Puy Saint Bonnet. The next six
kilometres are downhill before the road starts to gradually
climb. The next climb the La Seguiniere starts just before the
18km mark. The rest of the course is downhill of mostly flat.
The final two kilometres are uphill and after four laps of the
hard corse the finish suits stronger riders over the pure
sprinter.
The Contenders
Start list available
here
Wiggle Honda
Jolien D'hoore had a standout year in 2014 on the road and the
track. Picked up numerous bunch sprint wins and was close on
plenty of other occasions. The uphill finish suits her well
and has been on the podium the past two years, just outgunned
by Emma Johansson. Without Johansson D'hoore is the standout
favourite and her Wiggle Honda team is also the strongest in
the race.
Former winner Audrey Cordon has one of the best records at the
race. Winner in 2012, 2nd 2013, 5th 2014 shows is it a course
well suited to her. The uphill finish suits Cordon giving her
a chance to sprint from a more select group. Had a strong 2014
winning a bunch sprint win at La Route France and podium at
Omloop van het Hageland and has joined Wiggle Honda during the
off season.
Giorgia Bronzini is another rider to watch and the finish
suits her well but with bigger targets late in the season may
be happy to support a teammate here. Also keep an eye out for
Anna Christian who might have the opportunity to go on the
attack.
Amy Cure
Dual World Champion on the track Amy Cure and an up and coming
sprinter on the road is one to keep an eye on. Had a stand out
2013 season that saw her land a contract with now Lotto Soudal
but track commitments saw her race little on the road in 2014.
Claimed a second World title on the track at the end of
February and made it eight medals from eight events in the
past three years. Has a quick finish but prefers a harder route to
take some of the pure sprinters out of contention. The uphill
finish suits her and expect her to be fighting for the win in
a bunch sprint. First race on the road for 2015 so might not
yet be ready to contend for the win.
The team is without Elena Cecchini who would have been a
strong contender and Jessie Daams is also out with injury.
Lauren Kitchen
Kitchen has spent the past couple of years working for others
but has already shown she is ready to step up to another level
in 2015. Ninth in the road race at the Australian
Championships before taking the Oceania road race title and
silver in the time trial. Two second places and fourth overall
at the Women's Tour of New Zealand show she has been on good
form. A strong sprinter but an uphill finish suits her best.
Sofie De Vuyst
A strong classics rider who last year finished third at Le
Samyn, fourth Gent-Wevelgem, fifth Omloop van het Hageland and
sixth Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. The slightly uphill finish will
suit and is likely to challenge the likes of D'hoore, Kitchen
or Cure.
Matrix Fitness
On a good day Lucy Martin could find herself in contention.
After a difficult few years Martin is on the way back building
her form each reach. The most experienced rider on the team
and win would be an important confidence boost.
Sara Olsson has a strong race here last year before some bad
luck. Has become a much stronger rider in the past 12 months
and it is only a matter of time before she is finishing in the
top 10. Watch also for Christina Siggaard.
Poitou Charentes Futuroscope 86
The only French registered UCI team will be looking for
success in a home race. Amelie Rivat finished ninth in 2014
just behind the first chasing group. Depending on how the race
plays out could be in contention in the finish. Eugenie Duval
is another rider who could do well, rounded out the top 10
last year one minute and 22 seconds behind.
Pascale Jeuland is a third option for the team. Started her
season strongly finishing eighth overall at the Ladies Tour of
Qatar in what was a very strong field. Jeuland just missed the
top 10 last year finishing 13th but wasn't in the first
chasing group.
Other names to watch: Kaat Hannes, and Melodie
Lesueur. |
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