Uttrup Ludwig takes first WorldTour GC victory

Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig has long been touted as a superstar in women’s cycling. Her animated interviews and endearing personality have made her a favourite for fans. But the Danish national champion only took her first WorldTour victory on the third stage of the 2021 Vuelta a Burgos. Now, as the 2022 season is nearing its end, Uttrup looks to be having her best season ever.

Uttrup followed up her stage win at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift with a stage and the overall at the inaugural Tour of Scandinavia. Liane Lippert, who finished second in the GC 17 seconds behind Uttrup, tried her best to slip away from the FDJ-SUEZ-Futuroscope rider on the final stage in Scandinavia, and her attack with 3.7 km to go was a powerful one, forcing Uttrup herself to chase down the German national champion. However, Uttrup had learned from her team’s mistake at the Women’s Tour.

“It was mega stressful here on the laps, it goes so quickly, and it’s so full on, and then when Liane attacked with one lap to go, I was like holy moly,” Uttrup said at the finish. “When I closed it, I was like phew, now I just need to be safe.”

The victory in France, and the yellow jersey in Scandinavia, mark a turning point in Uttrup’s career. Up to this point, she has consistently been named as a favourite for one-day races and stage races alike but has rarely been able to put everything together to win. She’s finished on the podium of significant races like La Flèche Wallonne, La Course by the Tour de France, and the Tour of Flanders, but a big win alluded her until her eighth year in the professional peloton.

Now, with her new turn of speed, she is a genuine threat for the remaining races in 2022, the World Championships, and for seasons to come. Her win in Scandinavia is a product of years of hard work.

“It feels so goddamn good,” Uttrup said of the victory. “I’m over the moon, and the team were so good, controlling and all, I don’t know where they get their energy and their power from.”