Elisa Balsamo: "I knew that if I could pass the last climb that I had a good chance in the sprint"

At the Trofeo Alfredo Binda today, the nation's top sprinter and World champion Elisa Balsamo took her first World Tour win, one that was very special to her after Trek-Segafredo pulled off a great achievement in strategical prowess.

“The pre-race plan was not set – we have Elisa who had the freedom to attack and make a selection like last year. And our second option was a sprint finish if Elisa’s attempt did not work," Balsamo said in a post-race interview.

Trek-Segafredo came into the race with several cards, however when the leading riders went over the final climb the situation was favourable for a sprint, and the team worked to bring back the escapee group and take the race into a bunch sprint, where Balsamo took a dominant win: "I really have to thank my teammates because at one point in the race we all decided to go for the sprint. Elisa, Ellen and Shirin were perfect – more than perfect – to support me. It was a great boost of confidence for me in this moment to have such great riders at my disposal."

“I was a bit far back in the final turn, but it was a decision to start so far back. I think I did a great sprint tactically. The finish was fast, but the road rises at the end, so as much as you can wait to start the sprint the more power you can put to the road. I think it was the right choice. I am feeling good, and my morale is high. I knew that if I could pass the last climb that I had a good chance in the sprint. This race is one of the most important races of our calendar, and it is like a home race, so I am very happy," the World champion concluded.