Martina Fidanza Triumphs at Cadel’s Criterium, Fends Off SD Worx Duo

In an exhilarating show of skill and strategy, Martina Fidanza of Visma-Lease a Bike claimed victory at the 40km women’s Cadel’s Criterium held on Thursday. Her triumph came after executing a perfectly timed lead-out that allowed her to fend off the fierce competition from two SD Worx riders.

Race Highlights

• Winner: Martina Fidanza (Visma-Lease a Bike)
• Second Place: Marta Lach (SD Worx-Protime)
• Third Place: Barbara Guarischi (SD Worx-Protime)
• Distance: 40km
• Venue: Eastern Gardens Circuit
• Number of Laps: 20
• Conditions: Hot weather, extreme fire conditions
• Replacement Event: Cadel’s Criterium replaced the cancelled Surf Coast Criterium

The criterium was a substitute for the previously scheduled Surf Coast Criterium, which was cancelled due to hazardous conditions resulting from fires in the Otways, alongside extreme temperatures reaching 45°C. The race took place on a familiar 2km circuit known for hosting various women’s events, including the 2024 Geelong Classic.

Competitive Atmosphere

The event featured a highly competitive field, as riders prepared for the Women’s WorldTour season opener at the Tour Down Under and the upcoming Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. From the start, the peloton was stretched thin, with numerous attacks and counter-attacks aimed at gaining an advantage.

Notable early aggressors included Dominika Wlodarczyk from UAE Team ADQ and Josie Nelson of Picnic PostNL, who formed a breakaway on lap four. However, the peloton quickly reined them back in. Shortly after, Amanda Spratt from Lidl-Trek launched a strong attack, drawing several contenders like Mikayla Harvey from SD Worx-Protime into the mix.

The relentless pace created a challenging race dynamic. Despite numerous attempts to break away, the pack remained largely intact heading into the final lap. In a decisive moment, Fidanza seized the opportunity from her team’s strong lead-out, ultimately securing her victory in a tightly contested sprint.

Post-Race Reflection

Martina Fidanza expressed gratitude towards her team, stating, “I had just to finalize it, so really thanks to the team that believed in me.” This victory not only marks an important step in her career but also sets a positive tone for the season ahead.

With a thrilling performance at Cadel’s Criterium, Fidanza has established herself as a formidable competitor in the cycling world, and fans eagerly anticipate her future performances.