‘I just don’t feel the best’ – Lingering illness continues to disrupt Elisa Longo Borghini with time running out to recover fully for Tour of Flanders

Elisa Longo Borghini returned to racing from illness at Dwars door Vlaanderen on Wednesday, but she wasn’t able to defend her title at full strength, eventually finishing 22nd, having played a team role while still feeling the effects of a nasty bout with the flu.

Fighting an undying cough throughout the day, the Italian Champion tried her hardest to help her UAE ADQ teammates get something out of the race, keeping the lead of Marlen Reusser, who attacked in the final 25km, at just five seconds heading into the final phase of the race.