Demi Vollering claimed victory within the ladies’s race, after outsprinting fellow Dutch rider Anna van der Breggen to win by 18 seconds.
Van der Breggen, 34, is making her World Tour comeback with SD Worx-Protime after three years away from aggressive racing.
The previous world and Olympic champion is Vollering’s ex-team-mate, coach and mentor, and received the Strade Bianche in 2018.
She attacked into the ultimate gravel sector and was caught by Vollering, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot and Juliette Labous on the climb.
The Dutch pair then battled it out in the course of the closing phases of the 136km race earlier than Vollering launched a decisive assault with 500 metres to go.
The FDJ–Suez rider, 28, turns into the third lady to win the race twice, regardless of struggling a puncture on the longest gravel sector.
“It is enjoyable to race towards Anna – it looks like after I began,” stated Vollering. “It is also a reminder for myself how a lot I’ve grown over time.”
Van der Breggen added: “I had no thought how lengthy I may sustain. I didn’t count on to complete with Demi, so I am actually proud of how far I’m bodily.”
Britain’s Lizzie Deignan, the 2016 winner, was unable to complete after she punctured similtaneously her Lidl-Trek staff automotive was concerned in a crash.
“By the point I bought any service I used to be effectively and really out of the race,” stated the 36-year-old. “Nonetheless, I loved my coaching experience in beautiful surroundings.”
