HTC Highroad rider picks up first individual UCI victory
Having said in a video interview earlier this year that one of her big season goals was to grab her first big win, Swedish rider Emilia Fahlin achieved that target in yesterday’s prologue of the Tour d’Ardeche. The victory sees the HTC Highroad competitor hold the leader’s jersey heading into today’s 112 kilometre first stage to Beauchastel.
Fahlin covered the 2.4 kilometre course in Vallon Pont d’Arc in three minutes nine seconds, beating Leire Olaberria Dorronsoro (Debabarrena – Gipuzkoa) by hundredths of a second. Others such as world champion Emma Pooley (Garmin-Cervélo) were further back.
“She’s really excited,” HTC Highroad directeur sportif Ronny Lauke said aferwards. “She started as one of the first riders and had to wait for another 80 finishers to find out if she won. It was nerve racking but she pulled it off and she’s very happy.”
“For her it’s a great confidence builder. The World Championships are coming up not far from her home and she has some great form.”
The 2.2 ranked race continues until Saturday. Fahlin promises to do what she can to hold on at the top. “We’re going to try to keep the jersey as long as possible,” the 21 year old said. “I’m feeling pretty good and we have a good team here so we’ll give it everything.”