Race winner Lara Gillespie of Ireland and UAE Team ADQ reacts after the Beobank Samyn Ladies. Photo: Getty
Lara Gillespie toasts her win with second-place Marthe Goossens of Belgium. Photo: Getty
Irish cyclist Lara Gillespie claimed one of the biggest victories of her career by winning the Beobank Samyn Ladies in Belgium today.
The Wicklow racer claimed her first win of the season – after three second-place finishes already in 2026 – when sprinting from an elite group of nine riders 200m from the finish line for a decisive win after 133.4km of racing from Quaregnon to Dour.
The group had pulled clear of the peloton 65km from the finish and Gillespie was helped by having teammate Elynor Backstedt in the decisive move.
The UAE Team ADQ duo played their cards perfectly in the finale with a clear gap between the Irish rising star and Belgian rider Marthe Goossens, who finished second.
Lara Gillespie toasts her win with second-place Marthe Goossens of Belgium. Photo: Getty
“I’m incredibly happy with this victory,” said the 24-year-old. “The team did an excellent job from the very beginning today. Elynor was amazing, she’s truly a top rider.
“Racing with teammates who are so strong and selfless makes a huge difference. She deserves a special round of applause, and this win is also hers.
“It wasn’t exactly the plan we had this morning, but when that move went we immediately knew it was important to be there. We committed to the break and worked hard to make it stick.
“We managed the race very well and in the finale I was confident in my sprint. I’m really happy with this win, for myself and for the team.”