04.19.08 - Canada’s Anne Samplonius wins women’s road race in Netherlands

APELDOORN, The Netherlands – Veteran rider Anne Samplonius of Montreal won the gold medal on Saturday at the 43rd annual Ronde van Gelderland women’s cycling road race. The Canadian national squad also topped the team standings.

Samplonius is the first-ever Canadian to win the prestigious event.

In the 135.9 kilometre race, Samplonius clocked three hours and 28 minutes and 04 seconds. Eva Lutz of Germany was second in 3:28:14 and Andrea Bosman of the Netherlands third in 3:28.28.

With 20 kilometres to go, Samplonius and seven other riders broke free from the pack. There were several attacks in the last eight kilometres. Samplonius managed to come back on one solo rider and reeled her in the final two kilometres to win the race outright.

One of the top professional riders for more than a decade the 39-year-old Samplonius’ remarkable career has also included medals at the world championships and Commonwealth and Pan American Games.

Alexandra Wrubleski of Regina was 29th and Canada’s Felicia Gomez 45th, both finishing in a pack 55 seconds behind Samplonius.

The results are good news for Canada battling to stay ranked in the top-16 nations in women’s road cycling. A top-16 ranking by May 31 would allow Canada to qualify three riders for the Olympic Games this August in Beijing.