Kim Le Court-Pienaar takes Tour of Britain stage 1

Kim Le Court-Pienaar takes Tour of Britain stage 1

Our rider leads the GC, the points and the KOM classification after a perfect day.

Kim Le Court-Pienaar made a spectacular return to racing following the break she took after her historic triumph in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, powering to an impressive victory on the opening day of the Tour of Britain.

The champion of Mauritius attacked on Lingburn’s Bank (2.3km, 5.6%) – the second classified climb of the day – and was joined by Kirsten Faulner (EF Education-Oatly), together with whom she quickly opened a nice gap on the chasers. From the top of the hill, more than 30 kilometers remained until the finish in Redcar, the small town in North Yorkshire, but the two leaders worked really well together and maintained a stable margin the entire time.

In the finale, as the group behind was rapidly approaching, Kim kept her composure and produced a strong sprint to take the win, the first of a rider from Mauritius at the Tour of Britain and a success that came ten years after her maiden presence at the race.

“I am very happy, not just with this victory, but also with being back here. We came into this stage with a plan and executed it perfectly. I attacked at kilometer 44, had Kirsten come with me, and we managed to hold off the chasers, both of us being strong engines. It was pretty close at the finish, but I am delighted I could pull it off. I now look forward to the next stages, where we want to fight for some more good results”, said Kim after her fifth victory in the AG Insurance – Soudal jersey.