Australian Josie Talbot stepped onto the podium at La Picto en Nouvelle Aquitaine, finishing in second place just inches away from victory.
The 10th edition of the French race wasn’t affected by the wind as it usually is, making it difficult for teams to disrupt what seemed like an inevitable sprint finish. In the end, a large group arrived at the line to contest the victory.
Talbot navigated the run to the line well with the help of her teammates, and was only beaten by Dutchwoman Nicole Steigenga. Her result adds to a successful weekend for the Liv AlUla Jayco squad after Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland took third in Saturday’s La Périgord Ladies.
Josie Talbot
“We were really motivated to be aggressive and create some opportunities. In the end it came down to a sprint and the girls helped to position me well in the final. I had to start my sprint a little early. I’m happy to be on the podium but I’m dreaming of that win!”
Jessica Allen (Sport Director)
“The girls showed again today how strong they are as a team trying to create breakaway situations. We were hoping for more wind to split the race in echelons but that didn’t happen. In the final, it came down to a reduced sprint, and we backed Josie who has showed how strong she is at the moment. We came into this weekend wanting to be aggressive, use our numbers and we walked away with a third and a second, which we can be proud of.”
La Picto en Nouvelle Aquitaine results
1. Nicole Steigenga 3:39:24
2. Josie Talbot (Liv AlUla Jayco) st
3. Anneke Dijkstra st
