Flèche Wallonne: Cooke takes over!
- By John Wilcockson
- Published Apr. 23, 2003
- Updated Nov. 18, 2010 at 6:02 PM EDT
In a field of 144 women packed with Olympic, world and European champions, and with the best professional teams all out to win, the incredible Nicole Cooke did it again. The British prodigy won the sixth edition of the women’s Flèche Wallonne, held over the same 97.5km that formed the final loop of the pro men’s race, only three days after doing the same at the Amstel Gold race, and only 10 days after her 20th birthday.
Cooke won the race by attacking on the closing one-kilometer climb up the formidable Mur de Huy, which averages 13 percent and has a couple of 19-perecent switchbacks. And chasing her all the way were two other representatives of the Commonwealth: 36-year-old Sue Palmer-Komar of Canada and 22-year-old Oenone Wood of Australia.
“I’m pretty happy,” admitted the lanky Palmer, who has always ridden strongly in this World Cup race. “It’s really good because [the] Montreal [World Cup on May 31] is going to be a big focus for me, so this is a good sign. And also for the world’s in Hamilton, which is my hometown. So I’m excited.”
At one point in the last 300 meters of the brutal finishing climb, Palmer came within two bike lengths of Cooke -– who then got a second wind to punch her pedals that little bit harder to win by four seconds, with Wood nine seconds back.
The three-time winner of the Flèche, Fabiana Luperini of Italy, came home in eighth, one place behind the top American, Amber Neben of T-Mobile, and 23 seconds behind Cooke –- who has now replaced Luperini as women’s cycling’s climbing sensation.
After her solo win at Amstel Gold, Cooke wasn’t sure how she would fare on a much tougher course. “I knew that there was the pressure on me to win,” she said, “but when [the group] all came together at the bottom of the Mur de Huy and I realized I had a chance, I thought, I’m not going to throw this chance away, I’m going to give it my best; and I was really surprised it just happened. I know I worked really hard today, my legs are just wrecked.”
She may be wrecked, but Cooke’s latest victory has put her in the leader’s jersey of the UCI women’s World Cup. Even so, she says she’ll take a break at her home in Wales after a hectic spring, and before building toward her mid-season goal: the Giro d’Italia Femminile. As for the Montreal World Cup, that wasn’t on her original schedule. Now, it probably is.
Photo Gallery
Results
Women
1. Nicole Cooke (GB), Ausra Gruodis-Safi, at 2:40:52
2. Palmer-Komar Susan (Can), Canadian National, at 00:04
3. Oenone Wood (Aus), Australian National, at 00:09
4. Edita Pucinskaite (Lit), S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox, at 00:11
5. Olivia Gollan (Aus), Australian National, at 00:11
6. BrÄndli Nicole (Swi), Prato Marathon Bike, at 00:21
7. Amber Neben (USA), T-Mobile, at 00:21
8. Fabiana Luperini (I), 2002 Aurora RSM, at 00:23
9. Mirjam Melchers (Nl), Farm Frites-Hartol , at 00:24
10. Trixi Worrack (G), Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung, at 00:24
11. Teodora Ruano Sanchon (Sp), Prato Marathon Bike, at 00:24
12. Zinaida Stahurskaya (Blr), USC Chirio Forno D’asolo, at 00:28
13. Regina Schleicher (G), USC Chirio Forno D’asolo, at 00:32
14. Lyne Bessette (Can), Canadian National, at 00:32
15. Kimberly Bruckner (USA), T-Mobile, at 00:33
16. Aline Camboulives (F), G.S. Mazza, at 00:36
17. Zoulfia Zabirova (Rus), Prato Marathon Bike, at 00:37
18. Sonia Huguet (F), FRA, at 00:41
19. Judith Arndt (G), Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung, at 00:43
20. Sara Carrigan (Aus), Bik-Powerplate, at 00:43
21. Anita Valen (Nor), Bik-Powerplate, at 00:43
22. Magali Le Floch (F), FRA, at 00:45
23. Sandy Espeseth (Can), Canadian National, at 00:45
24. Susanne Ljungskog (SWE), Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai, at 00:47
25. Corine Hierckens (B), Bik-Powerplate, at 00:51
26. Svetlana Boubnenkova (Rus), Prato Marathon Bike, at 00:57
27. Natalya Kachalka (Ukr), 2002 Aurora RSM, at 00:59
28. Jolanta Polikeviciute (Lit), 2002 Aurora RSM, at 01:10
29. Kimberly Anderson (USA), T-Mobile, at 01:11
30. Kristin Armstrong (USA), T-Mobile, at 01:22
31. Luisa Tamanini (I), 2002 Aurora RSM, at 01:54
32. Düster Sarah (G), German National, at 02:07
33. Barbara Heeb (Swi), Swiss National, at 02:18
34. Miho Oki (JPN), Farm Frites-Hartol , at 02:42
35. Evy Van Damme (B), BEL, at 02:58
36. Rasa Polikeviciute (Lit), 2002 Aurora RSM, at 02:58
37. Marianna Lorenzoni (I), Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai, at 02:58
38. Tina Liebig (G), German National, at 03:02
39. Ghita Beltman (Nl), Acca Due O Pasta Zara Lorena Camicie, at 03:03
40. Sarah Grab (Swi), Swiss National, at 03:03
41. Heidi Van De Vijver (B), Vlaanderen-T-Interim, at 03:08
42. Lisbeth Simper (Dk), S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox, at 03:09
43. Adrie Visser (Nl), Netherlands National, at 03:09
44. Hayley Rutherford (Aus), Australian National, at 03:09
45. Baukje Doedee (Nl), Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai, at 03:13
46. Andrea Bosman (Nl), Bik-Powerplate, at 03:14
47. Isabella Wieser (AUT), AUT, at 03:17
48. Daniela Porta (I), USC Chirio Forno D’asolo, at 03:20
49. Annette Beutler (Swi), Swiss National, at 03:21
50. Delphine Guille (F), FRA, at 03:22
51. Vera Koedooder (Nl), Bik-Powerplate, at 03:22
52. Cindy Pieters (B), Vlaanderen-T-Interim, at 03:25
53. Ioulia Martissova (Rus), Prato Marathon Bike, at 03:25
54. Katia Longhin (I), Acca Due O Pasta Zara Lorena Camicie, at 03:28
55. Chantal Beltman (Nl), Acca Due O Pasta Zara Lorena Camicie, at 03:30
56. Sandrine Marcuz (F), S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox, at 03:30
57. Marta Evangelisti (I), S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox, at 03:36
58. Eneritz Iturriaga (Sp), 2002 Aurora RSM, at 03:48
59. BÄher Liane (G), German National, at 03:52
60. Juliette Vandekerckhove (F), FRA, at 03:55
61. Angela Brodtka (G), German National, at 04:02
62. Tanja Hennes (G), Next 125, at 04:10
63. Zita Urbonaite (Lit), Acca Due O Pasta Zara Lorena Camicie, at 04:14
64. Elsbeth Vink (Nl), Farm Frites-Hartol , at 04:24
65. Sharon Van Dromme (B), Vlaanderen-T-Interim, at 05:39
66. Loes Gunnewijk (Nl), Ondernemers Van Nature, at 05:50
67. Meredith Miller (USA), S.A.T.S, at 06:02
68. Andrea Graus (AUT), AUT, at 07:01
69. Anja Nobus (B), BEL, at 07:12
70. Emma Davies (GB), British National, at 07:16
71. Katy Saint Laurent (Can), Canadian National, at 07:19
72. Gunn-Rita Dahle(Nor), Ausra Gruodis-Safi, at 07:20
73. Theresa Senff (G), German National, at 07:20
74. Hostettler Irène (Swi), Next 125, at 07:25
75. Nathalie Bates (Aus), Australian National, at 07:25
76. Areke Hassink (Nl), Netherlands National, at 07:45
77. Erin Carter (Can), Canadian National, at 07:47
78. Trine Hansen (Dk), S.A.T.S, at 08:16
79. Giorgia Bronzini (I), Ausra Gruodis-Safi, at 08:53
80. Petra Rossner (G), Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung, at 09:02
81. Giovanna Troldi (I), S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox, at 09:47
82. Ilse Geldhof (B), BEL, at 10:43
83. Pernille Jakobsen (Dk), S.A.T.S, at 11:05
84. Anouska Van Der Zee (Nl), Farm Frites-Hartol , at 11:27
85. Priska Doppmann (Swi), Swiss National, at 11:32
86. Mari Holden (USA), T-Mobile, at 11:47
87. Jennifer Manefield (Aus), Australian National, at 11:47
88. Marta Villajosana (Sp), Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai, at 11:47
89. Josephine Groenveld (Nl), Netherlands National, at 11:51
90. Laure Werner (B), Vlaanderen-T-Interim, at 11:51
91. Payot-podevin Caroline (F), G.S. Mazza, at 11:53
92. Esther Van Der Helm (Nl), Farm Frites-Hartol , at 11:57
93. Cornelia Cyrus (G), Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung, at 12:00
94. Katherine Bates (Aus), Bik-Powerplate, at 12:04
95. Bettina Kuhn (Swi), Swiss National, at 12:09
96. Margaret Hemsley (Aus), Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung, at 12:20
97. Ludivine Henrion (B), BEL, at 12:52
98. Charlotte Goldsmith (GB), British National, at 14:59
99. Sorensen Karina Louise (Dk), S.A.T.S, at 15:10
100. Rochelle Gilmore (Aus), Ausra Gruodis-Safi, at 15:15
101. Anna Ramirez Bauxel (Sp), Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai, at 15:24
102. Mette Andreasen (Dk), S.A.T.S, at 15:32
103. Julie Hutsebaut (Can), Canadian National, at 15:39
104. Sandra Missbach (G), Farm Frites-Hartol , at 15:48
105. Silva Janildes Fernandes (BRA), Prato Marathon Bike, at 15:48
106. Mirjam Senn (Swi), Next 125, at 15:54
107. Claudia Stumpf (G), German National, at 15:54
Men
1. Igor Astarloa (Sp), Saeco, at 4:39:17
2. Aitor Osa Eizaguirre (Sp), iBanesto.com, at 00:16
3. Aleksandr Shefer (Kaz), Saeco, at 00:56
4. Unai Etxebarria Arana (Vz), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 01:00
5. Alexandr Kolobnev (Rus), Domina Vacanze-Elitron, at 01:06
6. Oscar Mason (I), SID, at 01:08
7. Cristian Moreni (I), Alessio, at 01:13
8. Angel Castresana Del Val (Sp), ONCE-Eroski, at 01:15
9. Christophe Moreau (F), Credit Agricole, at 01:19
10. Eddy Mazzoleni (I), SID, at 01:19
11. Danilo Di Luca (I), Saeco, at 01:34
12. Michael Boogerd (Nl), Rabobank (Netherlands), 01:36
13. Oscar Pereiro Sio (Sp), Phonak, at 01:42
14. Tyler Hamilton (USA), CSC, at 01:44
15. Javier Pascual Rodriguez (Sp), iBanesto.com, at 01:44
16. Iban Mayo Diez (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 01:45
17. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 01:45
18. Patrik Sinkewitz (G), Quick Step-Davitamon, at 01:45
19. Dave Bruylandts (B), MAR, at 01:45
20. Andrea Noe (I), Alessio, at 01:47
21. Gianni Faresin (I), Gerolsteiner, at 01:49
22. Massimo Giunti (I), Domina Vacanze-Elitron, at 01:49
23. Nicki Sorensen (Dk), CSC, at 01:51
24. Frank Vandenbroucke (B), Quick Step-Davitamon, at 01:51
25. Didier Rous (F), Brioches La Boulangere, at 01:56
26. Beat Zberg (Swi), Rabobank (Netherlands), 01:56
27. Angel Vicioso Arcos (Sp), ONCE-Eroski, at 01:56
28. Walter Beneteau (F), Brioches La Boulangere, at 01:59
29. Mirko Celestino (I), Saeco, at 01:59
30. David Moncoutie (F), Cofidis, at 02:01
31. Jan Ullrich (G), Coast, at 02:01
32. David Canada Garcia (Sp), Quick Step-Davitamon, at 02:01
33. Pineau Jérôme (F), Brioches La Boulangere, at 02:01
34. Kurt Van De Wouwer (B), Quick Step-Davitamon, at 02:01
35. Lara Ruiz Francisco José (Sp), Coast, at 02:04
36. Dmitri Fofonov (Kaz), Cofidis, at 02:07
37. Steve Zampieri (Swi), SID, at 02:08
38. Fabian Wegmann (G), Gerolsteiner, at 02:10
39. Axel Merckx (B), Lotto-Domo, at 02:12
40. Michele Bartoli (I), Fassa Bortolo, at 02:12
41. Peter Farazijn (B), Cofidis, at 02:12
42. Laurent Dufaux (Swi), Alessio, at 02:12
43. Marc Lotz (Nl), Rabobank (Netherlands), 02:16
44. Sylvain Chavanel (F), Brioches La Boulangere, at 02:16
45. Raimondas Rumsas (Lit), LAM, at 02:16
46. Serrano Rodriguez Marcos A. (Sp), ONCE-Eroski, at 02:18
47. Christian Vande Velde (USA), U.S. Postal Service, at 02:18
48. Ivan Basso (I), Fassa Bortolo, at 02:18
49. Evgeni Petrov (Rus), iBanesto.com, at 02:24
50. Franco Pellizotti (I), Alessio, at 02:25
51. Oscar Freire Gomez (Sp), Rabobank (Netherlands), 02:29
52. BÖLts Udo (G), Gerolsteiner, at 02:33
53. Geert Verheyen (B), MAR, at 02:38
54. Cheula Gian Paolo (I), SID, at 02:41
55. Romans Vainsteins (Lat), SID, at 02:41
56. Fabio Sacchi (I), Saeco, at 02:50
57. Jose Azevedo (P), ONCE-Eroski, at 02:50
58. Inigo Landaluze (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 02:50
59. Isidro Nozal Vega (Sp), ONCE-Eroski, at 02:54
60. Volodymir Gustov (Ukr), Fassa Bortolo, at 03:01
61. Andrea Tonti (I), Saeco, at 03:02
62. Bobby Julich (USA), Telekom, at 03:02
63. David Etxebarria Alkorta (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 03:05
64. Torsten Hiekmann (G), Telekom, at 03:15
65. Michele Scarponi (I), Domina Vacanze-Elitron, at 03:22
66. Matthias Kessler (G), Telekom, at 03:22
67. Domenico Passuello (I), Quick Step-Davitamon, at 11:17
68. Fragniere Cédric (Swi), Credit Agricole, at 11:17
69. Vasseur Cédric (F), Cofidis, at 11:17
70. Manuel Beltran Martinez (Sp), Coast, at 11:17
71. Johan Coenen (B), MAR, at 11:17
72. Christophe Brandt (B), Lotto-Domo, at 11:17
73. Andrea Peron (I), CSC, at 11:17
74. Fabrice Gougot (F), Phonak, at 11:17
75. Bram De Groot (Nl), Rabobank (Netherlands), 11:17
76. Mario Aerts (B), Telekom, at 11:17
77. Serge Baguet (B), Lotto-Domo, at 11:17
78. Francesco Casagrande (I), LAM, at 11:17
79. Thierry De Groote (B), Palmans-Collstrop, at 11:17
80. Rubiera Vigil Jose Luis (Sp), U.S. Postal Service, at 11:17
81. Steve De Wolf (B), Palmans-Collstrop, at 11:17
82. Vladimir Miholjevic (CRO), Alessio, at 11:17
83. Nico Sijmens (B), VLA, at 11:17
84. Wim Van Huffel (B), VLA, at 11:17
85. Sergiy Adyeyev (Ukr), Landbouwkrediet-Colnago, at 11:22
86. Gabriele Missaglia (I), LAM, at 11:22
87. Denis Lunghi (I), Alessio, at 11:25
88. Franck Bouyer (F), Brioches La Boulangere, at 11:25
89. Ellis Rastelli (I), Gerolsteiner, at 11:25
90. Paolo Bossoni (I), SID, at 11:25
91. Vladimir Duma (Ukr), Landbouwkrediet-Colnago, at 11:25
92. Steven Kleynen (B), VLA, at 11:25
93. Jaksche Jörg (G), ONCE-Eroski, at 11:25
94. KlÖDen Andreas (G), Telekom, at 11:25
95. Rolf Aldag (G), Telekom, at 11:25
96. Thorsten Rund (G), Coast, at 11:25
97. Anthony Charteau (F), Brioches La Boulangere, at 11:25
98. Mikel Artetxe Gezuraga (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 11:25
99. Daniele Righi (I), LAM, at 11:36
100. Giuseppe Guerini (I), Telekom, at 11:36
101. Giampaolo Caruso (I), ONCE-Eroski, at 11:39
102. Luca Paolini (I), Quick Step-Davitamon, at 11:39
103. Leukemans Björn (B), Palmans-Collstrop, at 11:39
104. Christopher Jenner (NZl), Credit Agricole, at 11:45
FILED UNDER: Race Report / Race Result / Road TAGS: Flèche Wallonne