Three in a row for Wiebes in Schoten?
On Wednesday 5 April, the women’s peloton will be preparing itself for the third edition of the Scheldeprijs. Title defender and record holder Lorena Wiebes can complete her hat trick in Schoten, but with the likes of Charlotte Kool and Chiara Consonni, there are plenty of quick legs coming to the start.
After her wins in 2021 and 2022, Lorena Wiebes is the big favourite to win the Scheldeprijs this year. The Dutch rider’s victory tally in 2023 currently stands at three. Wiebes can count on the support of Barbara Guarischi, fifth last year, and Elena Cecchini at Team SD Worx. The competition will undoubtedly come from Team DSM, which is relying on Charlotte Kool’s quick sprint. The Dutch rider was tenth in the Scheldeprijs in each of the past two years, but has been able to floor Wiebes twice already this season in the UAE Tour Women.
Besides Wiebes and Kool, also look out for Chiara Consonni.Last year, the Italian from UAE Team ADQ came second. Consonni was also able to beat Wiebes in the UAE Tour Women in February, but in that stage she had to yield to Kool. Liv Racing Teqfind also has some quick legs in its ranks. Rachele Barbieri took third place on the podium last year. The Italian is joined by Marta Jaskulska, good for 11th place in 2022.
Fenix-Deceuninck comes to Schoten with Belgian champion Kim de Baat. Ceratizit – WNT Pro Cycling are counting on the sprint of Arianna Fidanza, who won the Women Pro Cycling Costa De Almería at the beginning of this season. Zaaf Cycling Team is putting up Audrey Cordon-Ragot and Maggie Coles-Lyster. Also on the provisional start list are Roxane Fournier (St Michel – Mavic – Auber93) and Silvia Zanardi (Bepink).
We will find out who is ultimately the winner on Churchilllaan on Wednesday 5 April at around 14:45. Discover the provisional start list here.
