By a hair’s breadth

It was a single centimeter that stood in her way. Having already finished second in the Midwest Cycling Classic in 2025, Martina Alzini was hoping to do better this Sunday, March 22, 2026, in the Belgian race. At the end of the 137-kilometer race, the Cofidis team did everything right to put our Italian sprinter in the best possible position and fulfill her role in the race. Unfortunately, the outcome of the Midwest Cycling Classic was once again decided by a matter of centimeters, and it was the photo finish that handed the victory to Uneken (VolkerWessels Cycling Team) ahead of Martina. 

Mélanie Briot, sports director: "Ideal conditions for a final sprint today: no wind, beautiful weather. The race wasn’t eventful; there were no breakaways all day. It really looked like it was heading toward a bunch sprint. We were missing two key riders in the final stretch who, I think, might have helped us win. We’re missing Krystina Burlova and Marion Borras to properly lead Martina into the final. They struggled to catch up on that final circuit, which was very winding and on narrow roads. We’re disappointed. We came here for a rematch, and we finished second again—by just a centimeter. Malwina Mul and Valentine Fortin did a great job in the final. I think that starting with five riders, we needed our whole team to lead out that long sprint for Martina Alzini. Everyone was fresh because nothing had happened during the race. I hope we can get our first win very soon."