Mireia Benito sprints to fantastic third in Geelong

Mireia Benito sprints to fantastic third in Geelong

A great result for the 29-year-old at the team’s last outing in Australia.

Mireia Benito took her best result ever in a World Tour race, claiming third place at the Cadel Evans Road Race and becoming the first Spanish rider to make it onto the podium of the event since its inception, back in 2015.

As expected, the main action unfolded on the circuit, where not only that the day-long breakaway was caught, but also the first big attacks of the favourites came. On the double-digit gradients of the Challambra Crescent, the peloton split, but some of the chasers managed to come back on the descent, just in time for the second climb. As the battle for position intensified, Mireia Benito remained attentive and well-placed, making it over the top of the steep ascent together with a small group.

Some riders tried to get away in the technical closing kilometers but all these moves were shut down and the ninth edition of the Cadel Evans Road Race came down to a reduced sprint in Geelong. There, Mireia Benito unleashed a powerful acceleration to come from behind and take a remarkable third behind winner Ally Wollaston (FDJ United-Suez), scoring AG Insurance – Soudal’s first top-three result at the World Tour race.

“We really wanted to finish this racing block in the best way possible, and I think standing on the podium is something the whole team truly deserved.

We had a double plan for today: we knew Alex had a great chance in a bunch sprint, and I was the option if it came down to a reduced group. What isn’t always seen on TV is how well we rode throughout all the races, every member of the team had an essential role. The girls were always attentive, ready to cover moves, and every time I needed to move up in the bunch, I had someone there helping me. We constantly looked after each other, leading into the climbs and positioning perfectly, so we knew this result would come sooner or later.

In the final kilometres, Dani guided me perfectly. I didn’t even have to think about what to do, I just followed her voice and my instinct. I’m really proud of everyone and of the passion the team put into this whole block of racing.

Being away from home for so long and working 24/7 is not always easy, but the good vibes, happiness, and trust between all of us made it very special. I feel incredibly grateful for this opportunity and very proud of every single member of this team.

The season has started and The Wolfpack is ready to give it all!”, said Mireia, who leaves Australia with this podium and a top ten overall at the Tour Down Under.