'It almost went wrong' – Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields

Lorena Wiebes, representing SD Worx-Protime, secured a remarkable victory at In Flanders Fields, a new addition to the women's UCI calendar. Despite a late sprint scare, the Dutch powerhouse triumphed from a small, elite breakaway, having attacked on the iconic Kemmelberg and then contributed significantly to holding off the chasing peloton. This win, described as one of her most impressive, showcased a versatility beyond her renowned sprinting prowess, hinting at a broader capability for the upcoming classics.

This victory is particularly significant as Wiebes, primarily known as the peloton's fastest sprinter, demonstrated a newfound strength on the climbs and in sustained breakaways. Her ability to not only survive but instigate action on a climb like the Kemmelberg, then convert that into a winning move, signals a strategic evolution. For SD Worx-Protime, it underscores their depth and tactical flexibility, positioning Wiebes as a genuine contender for the Tour of Flanders, a race where pure sprinting ability often isn't enough.

Wiebes' performance suggests she's not merely a sprinter waiting for the final 200 metres, but a rider capable of shaping the race from afar. The peloton, and indeed her rivals, will now have to contend with a more complete, and arguably more dangerous, Lorena Wiebes.