Silvia Persico secured a podium finish for UAE Team ADQ, placing third at Brabantse Pijl.
The 125.7-kilometre race from Lennik to Overijse was won by Célia Gery, who sprinted to victory ahead of Mischa Bredewold, while Persico completed the podium.
Aggressive race sets up final sprint
The race unfolded at a high intensity from the early stages. Persico delivered an aggressive performance, spending a long period chasing solo in an attempt to bridge across to a breakaway that included Anna van der Breggen.
However, the race came back together in the closing stages. As a result, a front group of around 30 riders formed heading into the final kilometres.
Strong team presence in lead group
UAE Team ADQ maintained a strong presence at the front of the race. Persico was joined in the lead group by Eleonora Gasparrini, Paula Blasi, and Karlijn Swinkels.
Meanwhile, Alena Ivanchenko remained in a chasing group behind. Dominika Włodarczyk was forced to withdraw after feeling unwell.
Final climb decides podium positions
In the final uphill section, the pace increased once again, stretching the group.
Persico responded well in the decisive moments. She moved up through the field and positioned herself strongly for the sprint, ultimately securing third place.
Paula Blasi also delivered a solid result, finishing ninth.
Silvia Persico’s reflection on Brabantse Pijl
Persico said:
“It was a very demanding day. I tried to attack and bridge across to the breakaway, but I couldn’t make it. In the final, everything came back together and I played my chances. I know this finish very well – it’s a race I really like and one I’ve won in the past – so I gave everything I had in the sprint.”
To learn more on Team ADQ, listen to Inside UAE Team ADQ with Melissa Moncada on the Mettleset podcast
