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#KristenFaulkner #EFEducationOatly #USRoadRaceChampionships #TourOfBritainWomen #TourOfSwitzerlandWomen #SoloBreakaway #CyclingProNet #MostCombativeRider #ElisaBalsamo #TeamSDWorxProtime #MarlenReusser #DemiVollering #KasiaNiewiadoma #TourDeFranceWomen #ZwiftCycling
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Kristen Faulkner, the EF Education Oatly rider, is steadily regaining her form after a challenging start to the year. Earlier in 2024, Faulkner’s progress was hindered by a concussion and the commitments stemming from her two Olympic titles. However, recent performances indicate a positive upward trajectory in her cycling prowess.
In late May, Faulkner clinched the US road race championships, marking a significant milestone in her comeback. Her momentum continued into the Tour of Britain Women, where she secured a second-place finish on one of the stages and briefly led the race overall. This resurgence has set the stage for her participation in the Tour of Switzerland Women, where she showcased her resilience and determination.
During the 123km third stage of the Tour of Switzerland Women, Faulkner executed an extraordinary solo breakaway. Almost immediately after the race began, she attacked and maintained her lead for an impressive 86km. While her initial intention was to form a breakaway group, she found herself alone at the front as no other riders joined her. Despite the lack of companionship, Faulkner decided to press on, maintaining a steady gap that fluctuated between 20 and 45 seconds.
Reflecting on her decision, Faulkner explained to Cycling Pro Net, “We wanted to get into a break today. So I tried to initiate a break, hoping that some people would come with me. But no one came with me, so I found myself solo.” She added that she aimed to stay ahead to assist her teammate Noemi Rüegg in the sprint, ensuring she would be in a position to support Rüegg upon cresting the final climb.
Faulkner’s efforts paid off as she managed to rejoin the leading group by the finish line in Küssnacht. Her teammate Rüegg secured a commendable third place, narrowly behind Elisa Balsamo of Lidl-Trek and Mischa Bredewold of Team SD Worx-Protime. This result not only highlighted Faulkner’s strategic acumen but also underscored her commitment to her team’s success.
Despite her remarkable performance, Faulkner humbly acknowledged that she is not yet at her peak form. “I’m definitely not at top form,” she admitted, emphasizing the importance of practicing long efforts, which were once her forte but have been less effective this year due to insufficient training. “Between now and the Tour, that is my big goal, to train the 20 to 40-minute efforts. I think today helped that a bit,” she remarked, looking ahead to the upcoming Tour de France Women with Zwift, which begins on July 26.
Faulkner’s solo breakaway earned her the title of the most combative rider for the stage, a testament to her grit and determination. Her efforts also provided valuable insights into her current fitness level and areas for improvement. “I am definitely fitter than I was this morning,” she noted optimistically, highlighting the physical and mental gains from her challenging ride.
As the Tour de Suisse Women concluded with a 129.4km stage in Küssnacht, the overall standings saw Marlen Reusser of the Movistar Team leading by three seconds over Demi Vollering of FDJ-Suez, with Kasia Niewiadoma of Canyon-SRAM Zondacrypto in third place. Faulkner’s performance in the race underscored her resilience and determination as she continues to build her form and prepare for the demanding stages of the Tour de France Women.
In essence, Kristen Faulkner’s recent achievements reflect her unwavering commitment to cycling and her relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite the setbacks earlier in the year, she has demonstrated remarkable tenacity and strategic brilliance, positioning herself as a formidable contender in the upcoming Tour de France Women. Her focus on refining her long efforts and her selfless dedication to her team’s success exemplify the qualities of a true champion. As she continues to train and compete, Faulkner’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cyclists and a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work.
