48th Trofeo Alfredo Binda, WWT, March 17th, 2024

[Samu Cuenca]

It's almost that time of the year again where a new winner of the longest running race on the women's World Tour will be crowned, and some knitted frogs will get a new home. Last year's edition saw Shirin van Anrooij take her first of possibly many WWT wins, while 2022 champion Elisa Balsamo made it a Trek 1-2 by beating Vittoria Guazzini in the sprint behind.

The Trek duo is back to defend the title with a strong team to help it succeed, but with SD Worx bringing Lotte Kopecky, the race might not be as unpredictable as it usually is. However it's fortunately not decided on paper, so there's hopefully still some great action to come. We sadly won't get to see another fierce duel between the current world champion and the legend that is Marianne Vos since Visma has decided to skip the race. It's also known that Kasia Niewiadoma won't be making any of her trademark unfruitful attacks, because she isn't riding either.


In addition to the pro race, the Piccolo Trofeo Binda marks the start of the 2024 junior Nations Cup. Assumed future star Cat Ferguson is looking to repeat her victory from last year. I haven't seen a full start list, but I think Imogen Wolf, Carys Lloyd, Fee Knaven, Léane Tabu and Eleonora La Bella are among the starters. Célia Gery isn't going to be there, as far as I've seen.


Full start list: https://firstcycling.com/race.php?r=9046&y=2024&k=8

Spoiler: Course Info

 

[yaco]

This is a tougher profile than in past editions which does bring the climber types into play. It's an open race,

 

[Samu Cuenca]

This is a tougher profile than in past editions which does bring the climber types into play. It's an open race,

They will ride one more lap on the finishing circuit, so that might of course make a difference. It looks like it will be cloudy, but without any rain, and about 17 °C and not much wind, so the weather shouldn't be making the race harder.

 

[Dk one]

This is a tougher profile than in past editions which does bring the climber types into play. It's an open race,

Cries in CUL’s broken butt

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Cries in CUL’s broken butt

I'm not sure she would have done well anyway. The days of her finishing third seems over.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Imogen Wolff was victorious in the Piccolo Trofeo Binda. It will be interesting to see where she ends up in the future. Cat Ferguson finished second with first year junior Auke De Buysser completing the podium.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1769306105694364138

View: https://twitter.com/agsoudal/status/1769306105694364138

 

[Samu Cuenca]

There's about 60 km left as we await the live pictures. Clara Emond has been in a solo break for 40 km, but has now been brought back.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

We're live with 47 km to go. García has just attacked, but that was quickly closed down.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Puck goes solo. Still 31 km left.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Fisher-Black and Pieterse together but a very minimal gap that looks like it's coming together before the last lap.

My concern is that this race was once something of a Lombardia type in terms of rider profile during the 'racing through the dark' era, but it isn't hard enough to maintain that role now that the depth of the péloton is better and the sport is developing and is becoming 'just' another hilly one-dayer.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Fisher-Black and Pieterse together but a very minimal gap that looks like it's coming together before the last lap.

My concern is that this race was once something of a Lombardia type in terms of rider profile during the 'racing through the dark' era, but it isn't hard enough to maintain that role now that the depth of the péloton is better and the sport is developing and is becoming 'just' another hilly one-dayer.

Present day, the race is closer being a women's MSR, apart from the length of course, in the sense that different type of riders have a chance to win depending on how the race develops.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

POC helmets should come with a two year ban.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Surely this is the time to attack.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

NFB has great legs today.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Small group sprint surely the most likely outcome here unless the bunch loses its minds. The run-in is way too long for Meijering to hold on otherwise.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Looks like we're probably getting a sprint for the win. Kopecky has looked effortless as always, but Balsamo might still have more speed.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

How on earth is the moto allowed between Meijering and the bunch with this small a gap?

 

[awavey]

oops Lidl Trek wrongside of the roundabout

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Balsamo proves stronger than Bjørgen at the last.

Race needs to be harder to maintain its character.

 

[RedheadDane]

oops Lidl Trek wrongside of the roundabout

Didn't seem to bother them in the end.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Balsamo wasn't far from getting boxed in, but there was no doubt about it in the end. Strong finish from Puck to get third.

 

[awavey]

Didn't seem to bother them in the end.

it was Shirin wasnt it ? lucky Elisa could just follow Lottes wheel instead

 

[Samu Cuenca]

it was Shirin wasnt it ? lucky Elisa could just follow Lottes wheel instead

I think it was.

 

[awavey]

5th for Pfeiffer too.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

I mean it is kinda funny to see the likes of Mavi García and Nika Nosková trying to sprint in the background against the likes of Balsamo and Kopecky admittedly, but with Balsamo winning 2 of the last 3, yes I know the home audience will be happy enough but to maintain its role within world cycling the race might need something like Cuvignone or San Michele before the local circuits to try to thin things out more.