UAE TEAM ADQ

Extraordinary third place for Federica Piergiovanni who took her first podium of her career at the Vuelta CV Féminas. This result came once again thanks to the splendid work of the UAE Development Team girls directed by sports directors Davide Gani and Giuseppe Lanzoni.

"I still can't believe it - said a very happy Federica on the finish line - today even more than last year we worked as a team and I have to say Thanks to my teammates."

The race was won by Cédrine Kerbaol with a solo action. Federica Piergiovanni, who was part of the chasing group, was smart to sprint with 3 km to go and try to catch the escapee. Along with her were Marit Raaijmakers and Olivia Baril. In the final, Federica took third place behind Dutchwoman Raaijmakers.

"The sprint is not my strong point, but I tried to do my best," commented the 22-year-old Italian, "in the early stages of the race I tried to attack, then on the most challenging climb I dosed my energy and went up my pace. In the last 3 km we came out in three girls and tried to catch the breakaway."

This result has an important symbolic value, because the level of this race was very high and the young athletes of the Emirati team showed that they can do well, despite their less than optimal physical condition. In fact, the UAE Development Team athletes (Lola Bryson-Boe, Elisabeth Ebras, Hannah Kunz, Francesca Pellegrini also competed today) have just finished a two-week training camp in Almeria (Spain). The next event will be in Croatia at the end of the month, when the UAE Development Team athletes will participate in Umag Ladies Trophy (Feb. 28) and Porec Ladies Trophy (March 3).