A satisfying and valuable race for Mayenne Monbana My Pie in Oetingen

This Wednesday, the Ixina Leeuw-Oetingen p/b Lotto provided a particularly demanding course for the riders of Mayenne Monbana My Pie. On a typically Flemish route made slippery by the rain, the peloton was quickly marked by a series of crashes and a constant battle for position. In the end, Fiona Mangan finished 30th.

The weather did not make things easier for the riders, as the rain only stopped at the start of the race. These wet conditions left the cobbled sectors damp and slippery. Wind added further tension in a peloton already attentive to every tricky section of the course, featuring narrow and winding roads punctuated by several short climbs. In the second half of the race, three riders from Mayenne Monbana My Pie managed to hold their place in the leading peloton. Fiona Mangan, Marine Allione and Karolina Perekitko worked together to achieve the best possible result, with Mangan eventually finishing 30th. A result that may not fully reflect the team’s fighting spirit, but one that provided valuable experience for the French ProTeam.

Fiona Mangan, 30th : "It was very difficult in terms of positioning. The cobbled sectors were really tough, especially the one on the final circuit. We tried to stay well positioned and did everything we could. It was good to have three riders in the first group. I think I slightly missed my positioning in the last sector, but overall I think we can be satisfied. In Belgium, you always gain valuable experience".

Damien Pommereau, sport director : "I’m still satisfied with the day and with the three riders who finished the race. Karo had a puncture right after the start and it took her a long time to get back. It wasn’t her favourite terrain but she was still present in the finale, which shows she’s in good shape. Marine is also at a strong level — she was present and once again did a great job helping the others. In the final cobbled sector, Fiona was caught in a small split. There were around 50 riders left and everyone wanted to be well positioned before the sequence of cobbled sectors and the climb in the final kilometres. Fiona found herself chasing between the two groups and had to make a solo effort. That might have cost her in the end. Nevertheless, she is progressing and able to fight for a long time alongside the best riders. Overall, it’s a satisfying day, even if the final result isn’t spectacular".

Next race : Nokere Koerse (Belgium), March 18.

Results :

30 - Fiona Mangan

40 - Karolina Perekitko

46 - Marine Allione

Photo credit : Arnaud Guillaume / Mayenne Monbana My Pie