In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Elisa Longo Borghini captured her second consecutive victory at the Freccia del Brabante on April 18, 2025. Just days after recovering from a concussion sustained during a fall at the Ronde van Vlaanderen, the Italian champion proved her mettle with a decisive solo attack, leaving her competitors in the dust.
The race, held in Overijse, Belgium, featured a challenging course that tested the riders' endurance and strategy. After 65 kilometers, the peloton entered the final circuit, which included tough climbs at Holsteihde, Hertstraat, and Moskesstraat. Despite early attempts to break away, including efforts from teams like FDJ-SUEZ and UAE Team ADQ, no significant gaps formed in the initial stages.
However, as the race progressed, Niamh Fisher-Black of Lidl-Trek, Brodie Chapman from UAE Team ADQ, and Steffi Häberlin of Team SD Worx-Protime managed to create a small breakaway approximately 49 kilometers from the finish. Their lead reached 40 seconds before Évita Muzic of FDJ-SUEZ launched an attack that would set the stage for Longo Borghini's decisive move.
With just 10 kilometers remaining, Longo Borghini made her move on the final ascent of Moskesstraat. She quickly distanced herself from the group, demonstrating the strength and speed that had characterized her pre-injury form. "I felt great and knew I had to take the chance," Longo Borghini said after her victory. "This win means a lot to me, especially after everything that happened at the Giro.”
As she powered towards the finish line, her lead continued to grow. Behind her, the chase group struggled to keep pace, with Marianne Vos of Team Visma Lease a Bike and Femke Gerritse of Team SD Worx-Protime battling for second place. Vos ultimately crossed the line six seconds after Longo Borghini, securing second place, while Gerritse rounded out the podium in third.
Meanwhile, Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini also had a strong showing, finishing fourth and proving her worth among the elite competitors. The race concluded with Longo Borghini celebrating her victory, raising her arms in triumph as she crossed the finish line, a moment that signified not just a win, but a powerful comeback.
On the men's side, Remco Evenepoel made headlines by winning the 62nd edition of the Freccia del Brabante, marking his first victory of the 2025 season after recovering from an injury sustained during training last December. Evenepoel faced off against his compatriot Wout Van Aert in a nail-biting sprint finish after they broke away from the pack about 50 kilometers from the finish.
"I knew I was feeling good, but I never expected to be in a position to challenge Van Aert. I thought I might lose in the sprint, but this is a tough race, and you have to take your chances," Evenepoel remarked after his victory. This win not only marked his 60th career victory but also a significant return to form for the Belgian star.
Antonio Morgado finished in third place, solidifying his position among the top competitors in this prestigious race. The Freccia del Brabante serves as a crucial precursor to the upcoming Amstel Gold Race, set to take place on Sunday, April 20, 2025, followed by the Freccia Vallone and the iconic Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
As the cycling season heats up, both Longo Borghini and Evenepoel have set the stage for an exciting series of races ahead. With their recent performances, they have not only demonstrated their exceptional talent but also their ability to overcome adversity. Fans eagerly await their next appearances, as both riders look to continue their winning ways in the Ardennes classics.
