Annemiek van Vleuten seals overall victory at La Madrid Challenge as Elisa Balsamo wins final stage

Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar) won La Madrid Challenge 2022 to add to wins at the Giro Donne and the Tour de France Femmes earlier in the year.

Elisa Balsamo (Trek–Segafredo) won the final stage after being led out by Elisa Longo-Borghini. Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx) in second and Marta Bastianelli (UAE Team ADQ), third, made up the podium on the day.

“I’m extremely happy,” said Balsamo.

“This was my last race with the [world champion’s] jersey and so there is not a better way to end such a wonderful season for me. My team-mates did a great job today. We really were the strongest team and chased all day. I have to say thank you to everyone in the team.”

Van Vleuten had an unassailable lead heading into the final stage and having navigated that stage without incident or accident, finished 1’44” ahead of Longo-Borghini in second, with Demi Vollering (Team SD Worx) at 2’18” in third.

STAGE TOP 5

1. Elisa Balsamo (Trek-Segafredo) 2’21’37

2. Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx) ”

3. Marta Bastianelli (UAE Team ADQ) ”

4. Megan Jastrab (Team DSM) ”

5. Sofia Bertizzolo (UAE Team ADQ) ”

More to follow