Elisa Balsamo Clinches Second Trofeo Binda Title

The 48th edition of the Trofeo Alfredo Binda—Comune di Cittiglio took place this Sunday in Lombardy, Italy, as top cyclists from around the world gathered for one of women’s cycling’s most prestigious events. Lidl-Trek, seeking their fourth consecutive victory in this race, faced formidable competition from SD Worx, with world champion Lotte Kopecky among their ranks. Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) beat World Champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) in the sprint, and Puck Pieterse of Fenix-Deceuninck finished third in the 141-kilometer race.

“It’s just amazing. If it’s a dream, please don’t wake me up. I am so happy. The team was just so strong, and I’m really happy,” said Balsamo in the post-race interview.

“The last two laps were really hard, and the last climb was so painful for me, but then my teammate did a great job bringing the bunch together, and I just tried to do the best sprint I could.”

How the race was won

The race commenced with a 4-kilometer neutralized start, followed by a challenging route featuring coastal stretches and demanding climbs in the Orino circuit. Riders from various teams attempted breakaways, including a notable solo effort by Clara Emond of EF Education Cannondale, who gained a substantial lead early on.

Despite Emond’s efforts, the peloton eventually reeled her in, setting the stage for intense action on the circuit. Attacks and counterattacks ensued, with riders from different teams vying for position and attempting to break away from the pack. Notable names like Mavi Garcia (UAE Team ADQ), Niamh Fisher-Black (SD Worx-Protime), and Pieterse showcased their strength on the climbs, each launching daring moves.

As the race approached its climax, the tension heightened with several breakaway attempts being neutralized by vigilant chase groups. However, the decisive moment came in the final kilometers when Marielle Meijering (Movistar Team) surged ahead, attempting a long-range move 5.6 km from the line. Meijering’s brave effort was short-lived as the peloton, led by last year’s winner Shirin van Anrooij (Lidl-Trek), closed in on her.

With the finish line in sight, Kopecky had a good lead out. However, she started her sprint too early, allowing Balsamo to come around the Belgian for the win, delivering a masterful sprint to claim her second Trofeo Alfredo Binda title.

Trofeo Alfredo Binda, named after the legendary rider, is known for its rich history and unpredictable nature. The route features repeated short, punchy climbs, adding up to 2,133 meters (7k feet) of elevation gain conducive to aggressive racing and a thrilling finale.

Top 10 Results 2024 Trofeo Alfredo Binda

1. BALSAMO Elisa (Lidl-Trek) 3:40:09

2. KOPECKY Lotte (SD Worx-Protime) + 00:01

3. PIETERSE Puck (Fenix-Deceuninck) "

4. PALADIN Soraya (Canyon//SRAM Racing) "

5. GEORGI Pfeiffer (dsm-firmenich PostNL) "

6. SWINKELS Karlijn (UAE Team ADQ) "

7. BARIL Olivia (Movistar Team) "

8. PERSICO Silvia (UAE Team ADQ) "

9. MUZIC Évita (FDJ-SUEZ) "

10. FISHER-BLACK Niamh (SD Worx-Protime)

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