A powerful performance by Zoe Bäckstedt and CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto in the first half-stage of today's Baloise Ladies Tour. The British daughter of a cycling family, already winner of the prologue, imposed herself at the Maldegem finish line, beating the SD Worx Protime duo of Marie Schreiber and Barbara Guarischi. The final result was determined by Bäckstedt's decisive progression, taking the lead of the race one kilometer from the finish line, and the "gap" created by Chiara Consonni, who encouraged her teammate to pedal without hesitation towards the finish line. Marie Schreiber (Team SD Worx - Protime) positioned herself in pursuit of the breakaway rider, effectively serving as a support point for the group sprint.

An amusing moment occurred just after the finish line. Chiara Consonni congratulated her teammate, exclaiming in Italian: "What a leg!" This afternoon's second half-stage is a 10-kilometer time trial where Zoe could once again be the protagonist.

FIRST HALF-STAGE FINISH ORDER

 1 Bäckstedt Zoe CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto

2 Schreiber Marie Team SD Worx - Protime

3 Guarischi Barbara Team SD Worx - Protime

4 Magner Alexis United States

5 Copponi Clara Lidl - Trek

6 Kool Charlotte Team Picnic PostNL

7 De Clercq Katrijn Lotto Ladies

8 Barbieri Rachele Team Picnic PostNL

9 Steigenga Nicole AG Insurance - Soudal Team

10 Lundmark Clara WV Schijndel