Magdeleine Vallieres top Canadian finisher at Strade Bianche
Six Canucks raced through Tuscany to Siena on Saturday
Photo by:
Sirotti
Six Canadians lined up for Saturday’s Strade Bianche in Tuscany, Italy. Of those six, Magdeleine Vallieres-Mill was the top finisher in Siena.
Vallieres-Mill finished the women’s event in 31st, 4:16 back from Lotte Kopecky’s winning time of 3:59.14. The Sherbrooke, Que. racer was also the best-placed for her EF Education-TIBCO-SVB squad, after teammate Emily Newsom spent much of the race in a breakaway then withdrawing before the finish line.
Four Canadian’s lined up in the women’s race. Olivia Baril (Valcar-Travel & Services) crossed the line 56th, one spot behind Belgian cyclocross star Sanne Cant. Leah Kirchemann was 62nd after working for Team DSM all day. Sara Poidevin, also riding for EF Education-TIBCO-SVB, placed 80th, 12:21 back from the day’s winner.
Alex Cataford rides in the group during the 2022 Strade Bianche. Photo: Sirotti
Antoine Duchesne ended up as one of the many unlucky riders taken out in a crash during a gravel sector on Satrurday. Photo: Sirotti
There were two Canadians in the men’s event. Alex Cataford (Israel-Premier Tech) placed 77th, 13:36 back from race winner Tadej Pogačar. Antoine Duchesne (Groupama-FDJ) was caught up in the same crash that sent Julian Alaphilippe catapulting off the road. The Canadian Olympian could be seen on the live feed walking on foot after the crash, favouring one leg. Ultimately, Duchesne was one of the many riders not to make it to Siena on Saturday.
