Lara Gillespie finished second on the final stage of the Tour of Chongming Island, securing the runner-up position in the overall general classification as the 2026 UCI Women’s WorldTour season concluded in China.
The UAE Team L’IMAD rider challenged Lorena Wiebes of Team SD Worx-Protime in another closely contested sprint. However, the Dutch rider claimed her third consecutive stage victory and sealed the overall title.
China’s Xin Tang completed the stage podium in third place.
For Gillespie, the result marked her third podium in as many stages, following third place on the opening day and second on stage two.
UAE Team L’IMAD controls breakaway attempts
The final stage covered 108.6 kilometres on a circuit around Chongming, with Gillespie starting the day 11 seconds behind race leader Wiebes.
UAE Team L’IMAD remained active throughout the race, responding to attacks and working to keep the peloton together.
The day’s most significant early breakaway featured three riders who established an advantage over several kilometres.
Elynor Backstedt, Greta Marturano and Karlijn Swinkels led much of the chasing effort for UAE Team L’IMAD, helping bring the escape back with 36 kilometres remaining.
Despite the catch, the racing remained aggressive, with further attacks disrupting the peloton as teams looked for opportunities before the expected sprint finish.
Backstedt and Swinkels continued monitoring the moves at the front, while Gillespie responded to attacks, including an acceleration from Wiebes herself.
Gillespie challenges Wiebes in final sprint
With approximately four kilometres remaining, the peloton caught another breakaway of two riders that had established a lead of around 15 seconds.
The race then moved towards a sprint finish, with UAE Team L’IMAD positioning Gillespie for another opportunity to challenge Wiebes.
Inside the final kilometre, Backstedt and Swinkels increased the pace to stretch out the peloton.
Sofie van Rooijen then guided Gillespie onto Wiebes’ wheel, giving the Irish rider a strong position for the final acceleration.
Gillespie launched her sprint but could not overhaul Wiebes, who completed a clean sweep of the three stages.
Nevertheless, Gillespie’s second-place finish secured the same position in the final general classification, ending the WorldTour season with another strong result.
Gillespie reflects on her strongest sprint performances
Following the race, Gillespie highlighted her growing confidence in high-speed finishes and praised the support of her teammates throughout the three-day competition.
Lara Gillespie said:
“The team worked well today. We tried to find a way to give Karlijn some time, but unfortunately, the tactics of the other teams didn’t allow it. We went all in for the sprint, and I felt strong. I’m definitely feeling more and more comfortable in these fast sprints. The last two days have been my best sprint efforts ever, and I’ve reached my highest speeds, so I can be happy with my form.
Greta helped control the race, along with Elynor, while Sofie helped me in the final to put me in contention for the sprint. Lionel Marie guided us well, and, as usual, we received great support from all the staff. We’re very lucky to have them.”
The result capped a consistent three-day performance for Gillespie, who finished on the podium in every stage of the Tour of Chongming Island.
It also brought UAE Team L’IMAD’s 2026 Women’s WorldTour campaign to a close with a second-place overall finish in China.
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