SORAYA PALADIN 4TH AT LIEGE - BASTOGNE - LIEGE!

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The athlete from Cimadolmo (Treviso) did a “monumental” performance in the Big Classic race, caressing the podium which went to the three Dutch riders Annemiek Van Vleuten (winner), Floortje Mackaij (second) and Demi Vollering (third).

It’s a very important moment for Soraya and the Team Alé - Cipollini, for the best result in the 2019 Spring Classics. The fifth place at the Amstel Gold Race and the 16th at Fleche Wallonne mean, with the result of today, to have done a very positive week on the Ardennes.

Soraya resisted in the final part of the race with other 8 riders to chase Annemiek Van Vleuten, the race winner, fighting until the end for a place on the podium and to sprint for the third place.

Fortunato Lacquaniti, the Alé - Cipollini’s Team Manager, says: “We did a very good ride, the team has worked very well during those Classics for Soraya, who was always in the best positions. It’s not easy to change your role, from working for your captain to become the team captain, but Soraya didn’t feel the pressure and she has become very strong. 9th at the Binda, 14th at Strade Bianche after crashing, 12th at the Ronde van Vlaanderen, 5th at the Amstel, 16th at Fleche Wallonne and now 4th in Liege: she is one of the 7-8 strongest riders in the World.”

Soraya declares: “I’m so happy for this result today, the team was perfect and we prepared this amazing race so well with the staff!”

The Team Alé - Cipollini will be back racing next week in England at the Tour de Yorkshire.

RESULTS LIEGE - BASTOGNE - LIEGE:

1. Annemiek Van Vleuten
2. Floortje Mackaij
3. Demi Vollering
4. Soraya PALADIN
63. Nadia QUAGLIOTTO
74. Eri YONAMINE
81. Romy KASPER
DNF Diana PEÑUELA
DNF Chloe HOSKING

Photo (c) Anton Vos