Swift Racing rider Helen Wyman has won her 3rd race of the road season in Olen, Belgium. Having finished 2nd in the race last year, Helen was determined to better her result.
The 81 riders on the start faced 17 laps of a 5km circuit in great weather. Within the first few laps, several attacks were made from strong riders from AA drinks and Lotto. However it was on the 8th lap that Helen managed to escape from the bunch with Lieselot Decroix of Lotto Belsol. Together, with the 3rd rider in the break from South Africa, they took a lead of up to 1’45”.
However in the final few laps there was a strong chase led by Emma Johanson of AA Drink. This chase split the peleton in 2, with Swift having Louise Moriarty and new signing Rachel Mercer in the front group.
‘When we had nearly 2 minutes, I though we would be OK, but with 3 laps to go, the gap was coming down so fast I wasn’t quite sure. I just had to keep faith that they wouldn’t catch us.’ Helen said. ‘Lieselot is a great rider and is going to the Olympics for Belgium this year, so we had a strong group.’
Turning the final corner, with 800 meters to go, the lead had reduced to just 50 metres and it was Lieselot that started the sprint. But with 150 metres to go, Helen proved to too fast in the sprint and finished several lengths clear.
‘It took me 3 season to get my first win out here, but now I’ve won 2 of the last 3 I races I have done in Belgium. I’m really happy. My season is all about being 100% for the cyclo-cross season. I feel ready and confidant and I’m looking forward to getting off-road already.’
Earlier in the year, Helen also won the 2 Days of Bedford stage race in a Swift Racing 1-2-3.
For further information on the team, please see www.teamswiftracing.com
Rachel MERCER - SWIFT RACING
