Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE Development Team secured victory at the Konvert Kortrijk Koerse with Dutch sprinter Sofie van Rooijen powering to the win in a bunch sprint. Her teammates managed the race effectively to position her at the front for the finale on the rain-soaked roads in Kortrijk. Van Rooijen completed the 127.6-kilometre course in a time of three hours four minutes and 17 seconds. The result marks a strong return to winning ways for the rider this season.
According to Cyclingnews van Rooijen edged out Charlotte Kool of Fenix-Premier Tech in the sprint finish while Kathrin Schweinberger of Human Powered Health took third place. This success represents her second triumph at the event after she also prevailed in the 2024 edition. The UAE squad’s tactical execution prevented rival teams from disrupting the lead-out in the closing kilometres. Reports from the race highlighted the challenging wet conditions that tested bike handling for all competitors throughout the day.
The Konvert Kortrijk Koerse has featured on the UCI calendar as a Class 1.1 elite women’s one-day race since its launch in 2022. Race history shows Belgium’s Julie De Wilde claimed the first edition followed by Poland’s Daria Pikulik in 2023. The annual event in Kortrijk continues to attract top international squads drawn by its competitive profile and position on the European racing circuit. UCI listings confirm its status as an important fixture for developing and established riders alike.
UAE Team ADQ operates the development team as a pathway for talents to gain experience in professional races across the continent. The structure has enabled riders such as van Rooijen to deliver results at key UCI events while building toward higher-level competition. This latest win adds to the visibility of UAE-supported cycling programs on the global stage. Collective efforts from the development riders proved instrumental in controlling the peloton and delivering the final sprint opportunity.
A report from Procycling UK noted that van Rooijen’s performance came in a rain-soaked sprint to take the victory ahead of strong competition. The bunch remained largely intact until the finale where positioning became critical amid the slippery surfaces. Several teams attempted to force breaks earlier but the UAE Development Team helped maintain cohesion until the decisive moment. The outcome provides further momentum for the squad in its ongoing UCI campaign.
