Lorena Wiebes Wins Thrilling First Stage of Tour of Britain

Lorena Wiebes took the victory in the first stage of this year’s Tour of Britain. The opening stage started and finished in Cockermouth on a circuit spanning 158.9km in Cumbria. The Dutchwoman powered to victory in a thrilling sprint finish, where the Team SD Worx-Protime rider narrowly pipped her rivals over the line. Italy’s Chiara Consonni finished in second, while Great Britain’s Josie Nelson claimed third.

Arabella Blackburn sparked a breakaway with around 90km remaining, and along with Audrey De Keersmaeker created a gap of nearly three minutes. The 18-year-old Scot Blackburn, the youngest rider in the race, suffered a slice of bad luck, however, and was stung by a bee, her challenge fading. Belgium’s De Keersmaeker was caught well before the finish and Wiebes, winner of the first two stages of the recent Tour de France Femmes, powered over the line ahead of the bunch.

The race resumes on Thursday with the second stage taking place between Clitheroe and Blackpool.