Elisa Balsamo grabs third win of the season at tough Trofeo Alfredo Binda: "If this is a dream, don't wake me up!"

Elisa Balsamo achieved her third victory of the season today in the Trofeo Alfredo Binda. The 26-year-old Italian from Lidl-Trek defeated world champion Lotte Kopecky and Puck Pieterse in a sprint after 140 tough kilometers.

"If this is a dream, don't wake me up!", Balsamo said with a broad smile after the finish. "The team was really strong today. I am very happy with this victory. In the last two laps it was particularly tough, and the last climb was so painful."

"My teammates, however, did a great job putting everything back together," the winner praised. "To be honest, I didn't expect to be victorious today. This race is so tough, but at the same time it is such a beautiful race. Once again: I am very happy."

This is already third victory of the season for the former world champion. In February she was already the fastest twice in the Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina Valenciana. Her great form is backed up by couple more strong results, the 2nd place at Ronde van Drenthe in particular stands out.