The most important victory of her career has finally arrived for Elise Chabbey, a 32-year-old Swiss rider from the French team FdJ United-Suez. The attack on the Santa Caterina climb, the ability to spread her elbows through the two final turns before entering Piazza del Campo.

«Our plan was to win with Demi (Vollering, ed.) – explains Chabbey, fourth at the 2025 Kigali World Championships and winner of the Tour of Romandie - I was supposed to attack and put pressure on the other teams, but when Demi had a problem (a route error due to signaling mistake, ed.), only Franziska Koch and I remained ahead. So we tried to survive and do our best. Honestly, I didn't think I was strong enough to win, but we never gave up, we fought until the end. That was the key to victory, because the other athletes were very strong, the level of the group today was extraordinary. That's why I'm happy we made it».

The final turn was decisive, where Chabbey and her teammate Koch overtook Elisa Longo Borghini: «It was pure instinct. I knew that if I entered the turn first, I would have excellent chances to win. I found a gap and went all out through the corner. I don't remember anything else, just that I won».

Chabbey first, German Koch third: a perfect day for the French team FdJ United-Suez. «I was almost getting cramps towards the end, but I held strong – Chabbey continues - In the end it was a mental challenge, and with Franziska we also wanted to thank our other teammates who did tremendous work all day long. I think that's what makes our team so special, we push each other to the maximum, and we all have something to learn from Vollering, she's the best cyclist in the world. We need to believe in ourselves and do something for her. We saw Demi give an interview, everyone celebrates her, and that's very special. We're all united. And Demi was happy for me today too, because I work hard for her all year long».