Amandine Jakob sprints to victory in the Druivenkoers for Women U19

Amandine Jakob has won the second edition of the Vlaamse Druivenkoers Overijse for Women U19. The German champion proved to be the strongest in the sprint from a group of eight riders.

Under a bright sun in Overijse, the Women U19 riders set off for a 90.6-kilometre race featuring eight climbs along the way. A trio animated the opening phase of the race. Peggy Knox (Airtox – Carl Ras), Aalia Clay (Cams Majaco) and Linda Sítková (Mat Atom Deweloper Wroclaw) built up a lead of around two minutes. There was little action in the peloton for a long time, with the few counter-attacks failing to make an impact. At the start of the final lap, the leading trio still held a comfortable advantage of 1’12”, but their lead gradually decreased as the finish approached.

On the Holstheide, five riders bridged across to the front: Amandine Jakob (Vermarc Cycling Team), Melanie Rowe (Watersley R+D Cycling Team), Imke Menting (Team Drenthe), Gabriella McHugh (Cams Majaco) and, shortly afterwards, British champion Mabli Philips (Shibden Apec RT Junior Women). The eight riders sprinted for victory, with German champion Jakob taking the win ahead of McHugh and Menting.