Amelia Cebak sprints to victory in U19 Women's race
Gent-Wevelgem for Women U19 was dominated by the British riders. Amelia Cebak won the sprint from a depleted peloton. The British champion finished ahead of her teammate Rebecca Gardiner.
The tough weather conditions soon tore the Women's U19 peloton into several groups. Ireland's Lucy Benezet Minns rode alone in front for a long time with a lead of about half a minute. On the final climb of the Kemmelberg, she was joined by Imogen Wolff who, as one of the top favourites, was tipped beforehand.
Wolff was clearly feeling good. After expending considerable energy during her solo effort, Minns had to let go of the front group after the Kemmelberg. With the wind against her, Wolff embarked on a 22 km adventure. Behind her, a chasing group of three riders formed: Chladonova, Minns and Ungerova. With 16 km to go, the trio joined up with Wolff at the front. The four defended an 11-second lead in front of a depleted peloton, but not much later the quartet was caught.
On the way to Ypres, a few more attacks took place. Leonie Mahieu and Sofia Ungerova tried together to outmanoeuvre the small peloton, but the headwind prevented them from gaining a significant lead. A group sprint in the Ypres city centre was inevitable. Amelia Cebak was fasted ahead of her teammate Rebecca Gardiner.
