Steigenga Sprints to Victory at Picto en Nouvelle-Aquitaine

AG Insurance – Soudal celebrated another impressive success on Sunday as Nicole Steigenga powered to victory at Picto en Nouvelle-Aquitaine, capping off a strong collective performance with a perfectly timed sprint.

After a demanding race that saw the team remain alert to every attacking move, the Wolves controlled the situation throughout the day. Steigenga was well protected by her teammates, allowing the Dutch rider to save her energy for the decisive finale.

In the closing kilometres, Steigenga patiently moved through the bunch before finding the right wheels to follow into the final sprint. Launching her effort from around tenth position with 500 metres remaining, she came around the leaders in the final metres to take a brilliant victory.

“It was a really nice day today with the team. They kept me sheltered really well and we were attentive for the breakaways all the time. Because of the hard day, I had to position myself in the last part of the race, but I could hop on some lead-outs of other teams. I think I was around tenth position with 500 metres to go. From there I could launch my sprint and surprise the bunch. I didn’t expect to win, but it is really nice to take the victory, especially after all the hard work. I’m really happy to win here today,” said Steigenga after the finish.