Ferrand-Prevot wins the XCO World Cup in Val di Sole 2024

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot takes the victory in the XCO World Cup of Val di Sole. The Frenchwoman got rid of Pieterse in an implacable way and escaped towards victory in an unstoppable and impossible to replicate ride. Pieterse had to settle for second place, while Lill was third.

Ferrand-Prevot wins with authority the XCO World Cup of Val di Sole

The 75 riders called to the grid appeared and the XCO World Cup of Val di Sole started with strict punctuality. The start had a small incident on the outside of the first corner, which clouded the start for cyclists like Samara Maxwell or Greta Seiwald, although the favorites were able to avoid it without problems. Chiara Teocchi took the first lead of the day. The Italian, always willing to be a protagonist in the early stages of the race, started with the extra motivation of racing at home.

The slow pace with which they completed the first kilometers caused a huge group to form at the front.

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Teocchi's government lasted until Pieterse wanted to end the placid start imposed by the Italian. The Dutchwoman increased the pace, but the leadership was sterile for her interests. The group stretched out and the differences were slow to appear, although Pieterse's watts eventually took a toll and dropped several rivals.

Pieterse's toughness only found the response of the Frenchwomen Ferrand-Prevot and Lecomte, who hooked onto her wheel. The head was formed by a trio that understood perfectly the importance of the moment to distance those trying to catch them from behind.

Ferrand-Prevot put aside the conservative strategy seen so many times before and took the lead in an act of generosity towards her great rival. Lecomte was the first to give up shortly after her compatriot took the lead of the race, unable to sustain the intensified pace of a Ferrand-Prevot who did find the immediate response from Pieterse.

Thus, Ferrand-Prevot and Pieterse joined forces as a luxury pair and the script fulfilled the promise earlier than expected: second lap and the two main candidates for victory were already riding alone. Ferrand-Prevot's unchanging expression actually hid the tremendous pedal stroke with which she punished a Pieterse who conceded three seconds.

With no time to digest Ferrand-Prevot's move, Pieterse found herself overtaken by the situation and the gap suddenly grew. The seconds hemorrhage got out of control and revealed the visceral attack of the rainbow jersey, which easily overcame Pieterse.

Ferrand-Prevot's escape gave wings to the French rider. The ride sunk Pieterse in a 16-second hole, at which point the Dutchwoman managed to stop the bleeding. Behind, Anne Tauber avoided a fall by grabbing the bottle, while Evie Richards went down under the same circumstance.

Ferrand-Prevot crushed the pedals to continue increasing the distance with Pieterse. 20 seconds ahead of the Dutchwoman, who was gradually ousted from the fight for victory. The race entered a calm phase: positions were consolidated as the distances between the riders grew and all were destined to pedal alone.

Although there were moments when Pieterse could dream of a comeback, Ferrand-Prevot dealt her rival a reality check that woke her from her daydream. The seconds increased again and the Frenchwoman's dominance grew. 42 seconds.

The calm spread to the top ten riders, who completed the end of the race without the possibility of catching those ahead but without the threat of becoming prey to those coming from behind. Ferrand-Prevot played the accordion with a Pieterse who tried unsuccessfully against a Pauline who was one step ahead today.

And with no final surprises, Ferrand-Prevot headed firmly towards the finish line to raise her arms and seal the victory in the XCO World Cup of Val di Sole. Two out of two after the triumph in Nove Mesto. Puck Pieterse had to settle for second place, while Candice Lill had a great race and finished third.