Puck Pieterse wins the XCC World Cup in Val di Sole on her own merits

Puck Pieterse takes the victory in the XCC World Cup of Val di Sole. The Dutch rider was the protagonist of the race with several attacks that ultimately decided the victory in a mano a mano with Ferrand-Prevot. Savilia Blunk followed them and secured the third spot on the podium.

 

Puck Pieterse carves out victory in the XCC World Cup of Val di Sole

The World Cup returned to the Italian alpine mountains to compete in one of the most special races of the year. The best riders on the planet took the start with strict punctuality in a star-studded lineup, despite being somewhat dimmed by the announced absences of Jolanda Neff and Anne Terpstra. The start happened without incidents and Chiara Teocchi led the race in her usual display of initial power. Linda Indergand, Martina Berta, Jenny Rissveds, and Laura Stigger followed behind her.

Teocchi continued to lead in a calm moment where nothing seemed out of place; everything in order during the first comfortable minutes with a pace that kept the group together.

The clock kept ticking without anyone taking over from Teocchi, who led at home before hostilities began. Puck Pieterse made a move that ended up in nothing. The Dutch rider exposed herself by taking the lead and stretched the group, although she was unable to break away.

Teocchi managed to spoil the first attempt of the day. The extra motivation of the Italian to race at home was evident, and her green jersey was always in the top positions.

The halfway point of the race arrived without apparent difficulties, although visibly the pedaling intensified with a hardened pace from the front. Savilia Blunk took over after Teocchi's long dominance, while Pieterse and Ferrand-Prevot remained in the rear.

And then Pieterse stirred things up again with a more ambitious change of pace. Ferrand-Prevot reacted instantly, caught the wheel of the Dutch rider, and thwarted the leader's efforts. The group compacted again just before facing the decisive stretch of the race.

And Pieterse. Once again Pieterse. The attack finally paid off and shook up the race. Only Ferrand-Prevot and Blunk matched the wild pedal strokes of the Dutch rider, who tightened the rope again with another surge when the dropped riders were close to reconnecting. Teocchi, Lill, and Keller led the chase and reconnected with the leading trio.

And again Pieterse, in a repeat of the previous move, spurred on once more. The attack bore fruit, and only Ferrand-Prevot could follow her wake. The equality remained until the finish line, although Ferrand-Prevot tried to outdo Pieterse with a final push. However, the victory was decided in a tremendous final sprint that went in favor of Puck Pieterse.

XCC World Cup Val di Sole 2024 Results - Women

1. Puck Pieterse 19'24"
2. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot +1"
3. Savilia Blunk +5"
4. Candice Lill +6"
5. Alessandra Keller +13"
6. Sina Frei +14"
7. Rebecca Henderson +14"
8. Chiara Teocchi +14"
9. Linda Indergand +16"
10. Mona Mitterwallner +16"