The Bigla Cycling Team celebrated its first win of the season yesterday. Australian Joanne Hogan won the Flèche Wanzoise in Belgium ahead of Aude Biannic (Lointek) and Floortje Mackaij (Giant-Shimano). Last year's winner Vera Koedooder was fourth.
Halfway through the 82-kilometer race, a group of about 15 had taken the lead of the race, which also included Hogan, Koedooder and Taryn Heather. Outliers work well together. In the final, Vera Koedooder was the first to attack, but was caught again for a short time. Joanne Hogan and Aude Biannic took the chance and formed a new breakaway group and managed to prevail against the pursuers. In the sprint, Hogan clearly won ahead of Mackaij and took the win. Koedooder finished second in the pursuit sprint, taking fourth place.
"It was only our second race this season and we've already managed to win. That's fantastic ," said team manager Emil Zimmermann, clearly pleased.