Ilse Pluimers wins time trial

Ilse Pluimers has won the time trial in Borsele on Friday night. The 20-year-old Dutch rider made her comeback in this race after breaking her hand just over a month ago in Ronde van Drenthe.

“It really went super tonight,” Ilse reacts right after the finish. “My legs felt super good. It was pretty dangerous with the wind so I couldn’t lie down on my bars all the time. The turns were also hazardous because halfway into my race the rain started. But all in all, I am very happy with this comeback and it gives me confidence for when I return to the peloton in May.”

The rain and wind were a serious danger for the riders in this 20,6-kilometer-long mixed race for our elite and U23 riders. Mirre Knaven finished in seventh place. U23-teammate Febe Jooris was also in the top in a ninth place. Maureen Arens and Yuli van der Molen finished outside of the top ten.

The junior team started their three-day stage race with a 14,2-kilometer-long time trial. Luca Vierstraete was our best rider in 5th place with Fee Knaven just behind her in sixth place. Luca, Fee, Margot Marasco, Lore De Schepper and Nanoi Van Wettere continue on Saturday with a 72,9-kilometer stage. The U23-team rides a 133-kilometer-long race with hopefully dry and less windy circumstances than on Friday night.