Ferrand-Prevot dominates and also wins in the Shimano Supercup Massi de Banyoles

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot takes the victory in the Shimano Supercup Massi in Banyoles. The world champion set a fierce pace that allowed her to break away and pedal unopposed towards victory. Neff made her race and distanced herself from the chasing group to finish second after catching Blunk, who had to settle for third place.

 

Ferrand-Prevot shows superiority to win in Banyoles 

The race started in Banyoles with a clean start that left the favorites in the lead positions. Jolanda Neff had the strongest pedal stroke and emerged as the first leader of the day. The Swiss rider pedaled ahead in the first lap free of attacks and altercations, although it meant the first natural selection and allowed a gap to open up, highlighting the superiority of the front group.

The group -led by Teocchi and closed by Queirós- crossed the finish line for the first time with a certain advantage over the cyclists behind them. The Italian from the Orbea Factory Team set the pace for a while, although it was Frei who pushed the quadriceps when she took the lead.

The distances between the members of the front group remained the same, but changes came soon: the race cracked when Frei raised the stakes and broke away completely with Ferrand-Prevot. If the first move weakened the group, the second one shattered it; Ferrand-Prevot's change of pace only found a response in Blunk's legs.

The pair worked well together and, with the French rider leading the way with the rainbow jersey, both opened up a gap with their former companions. The superiority of the two leaders translated into 22 seconds of advantage at the finish line, while the chasers organized around Teocchi who led the chase attempt.

 

With no time for half measures, Ferrand-Prevot wanted to reveal her cards at the beginning of the third lap. The multi-champion showed brutal power as she approached one of the climbs on the Catalan circuit and left Blunk unable to match her rival's pedal strokes.

Meanwhile, Neff took on the responsibility of leading the chase and the gaps appeared quickly. Neff herself, Richards, and Teocchi stood out among the chasers and opened a small gap with Frei, Tauber, and Schrievers. Still, they were trailing Blunk by 16 seconds, who in turn was almost half a minute behind the leaders.

The race continued to unfold, leaving the riders in the top positions alone. Thus, Neff distanced herself from Richards and Tauber to embark on a solo adventure. Ferrand-Prevot increased her lead to 45 seconds, while Blunk began to worry about Neff who was getting closer.

Neff eventually caught up with Blunk and pushed hard to drop the American rider. The move was successful and Neff's strides left Blunk behind, who was starting to tire excessively. However, Blunk's determination allowed her to catch Neff's wheel when it seemed her chances were running out.

The race entered a brief truce: Ferrand-Prevot controlled the situation from a vantage point of over a minute; Neff spurred on the Trek again to leave Blunk behind; and the trio of Frei-Tauber-Schrievers remained several seconds behind.

With the podium positions settled, the script seemed to immerse the final moments of the race in a balm of tranquility.

 

The last lap was ridden without major changes and Ferrand-Prevot covered the final kilometers to raise her arms and secure victory in the Shimano Supercup Massi in Banyoles. Two out of two this season for the French rider, who claims her second win at the Cathedral after the one she achieved in 2017.

Meanwhile, Jolanda Neff finished second and Savilia Blunk took third place.