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Emma Trott 6th in Valkenburg Hills Classic

Story posted August 10; thanks to Emma's fan club for the report

Britain's Emma Trott, riding for Dutch club Moving Ladies, has finished 6th in the UCI 1.2 ranked Valkenburg Hills Classic (formally Holland Hills Classic). Emma was in the only break of the day, initially containing 10 riders, which formed shortly after the second ascent of the Cauberg. The break included eventual winner and victor of this years Tour of Flanders, Grace Verbeke (Lotto).

Other riders included Chantal Blaak, Marijn De Vries and Lucinda Brand (Leontien), Iris Slappendel and Claudia Hausler (Cevelo), Petra Dijkman (Red Sun Racing) and Liesbeth De Vocht (Nederland Bloeit).

Verbeke attacked just before the penultimate climb of the Cauberg with Blaak giving chase, to claim the win by 51 seconds from her pursuer. The remaining escapes, now minus De Vries and Hausler, were left to fight for the final podium place, taken by Slappendel, a further 50 seconds back. The start sheet for the race also included current National Champions Emma Pooley (12th) and Emma Johansson and local favourite Kirsten Wild.

Emma's ride was one of many top performances by British riders abroad in the last week. Emma's sister Laura was fourth in the Junior Women's World Time Trial title and that was followed up by Joshua Edmondson finishing fourth in the Junior Men's World Road Race title. Great Britain academy rider Luke Rowe had a  big win in Italy at the GP Sport Poggiana while British team Motorpoint/Marshals Pasta had two podium  places on stages of a Spanish stage race, Ed Clancy finishing second on one stage and Pete Williams, third.

Reports of riders doing well overseas can be sent to editor@britishcycling.org.uk

Valkenburg Hills Classic

1      Grace Verbeke (Bel) Lotto Ladies Team      3:14:17       
2     Chantal Blaak (Ned) Leontien.nl     0:00:51      
3     Iris Slappendel (Ned) Cervelo Test Team     0:01:46      
4     Liesbet De Vocht (Bel) Nederland Bloeit     0:01:47      
5     Lucinda Brand (Ned) Leontien.nl     0:01:51

6     Emma Trott (GBr)     0:01:52      
12     Emma Pooley (GBr) Cervelo Test Team