Monica Trinca Colonel rode to a dominant solo victory, and the overall race win on the final stage of the Tour Féminin de l’Ardèche.
The 26-year-old capitalised on a strong team performance, building on her own superb rides in recent days, to jump clear over the main climb of the day.
Trinca Colonel was set up perfectly by her team, particularly by Ruby Roseman-Gannon who got into the early break and held out until she could provide some assistance to her teammate.
After initially going clear with three other riders, Trinca Colonel was soon alone out front with a small advantage at the top of the climb. She continued to grow her lead as she expertly made her way down the descent to the final climb.
By the time Trinca Colonel reached the finish line, she had almost one minute on her next nearest rival. Having started the day in second place overall, it was more than enough to move her up to the top of the standings for a well-deserved general classification win.
Ella Wyllie made it two Liv AlUla Jayco riders in the top 10 with eighth place in the overall standings.
Monica Trinca Colonel
“This week I’ve been feeling better every single day. I knew this stage suited me perfectly, I set my pace right from the start of the climb without looking back. I found Ruby, who was in the day’s breakaway, and besides giving me a chance to catch my breath, she gave me such a boost of morale. Shortly after, I was alone and did a time trial all the way to the finish. As a team we really worked well every day, and today we wrapped up our work in the best way possible.
This victory means so much. It’s the first one with this team, and it came after a difficult period on the bike. I’ve always dreamed of raising my arms exactly like this. I have to thank all the people who believed in me and stood by my side, even in this past month, my boyfriend first of all, my coach, all my teammates who shared this emotion with me, and finally the whole staff. I would also like to dedicate this victory to Marta Cavalli, as this was her very last race. I don’t know her well personally, but I know her story. She has always been a great inspiration to me, and I admire her a lot. I’d like to wish her the best of luck for everything.”
Gene Bates – Sport Director
“What a fantastic ride, just incredible. From Monica, who obviously had fantastic legs today, but also the whole team. They didn’t put a foot wrong. We had Ruby I the early break, she survived until the climb and helped Monica in the final climb, and the other girls were tremendous as well. Really proud of the team effort today, and obviously Monica. It was extra special the way she attacked on the climb and then increased her gap on the descent, all the way to the finish.
She didn’t just win, it was a lesson in descending and confidence, fantastic ride. She’s had a rough couple of months but she’s been building nicely at home over the last month and it’s really pleasing and relieving to see her back at her best and the level we know she can be at. Really happy for her, the people around her, and the team. To take the jersey on the last day is always special.”
Tour Fèminin de l’Ardéche stage 6
1. Monica Trinca Colonel (Liv AlUla Jayco) 02:35:43
2. Evita Muzic +0:58
3. Maeva Squiban st
Tour Fèminin de l’Ardéche general classification after stage 6
1. Monica Trinca Colonel (Liv AlUla Jayco) 13:16:49
2. Femke De Vries +0:34
3. Maeva Squiban +0:59
