The combined field of elite and B-category racers rolled onto the lower slopes of the first Koppenberg climb together, but as expected, the brutal gradient quickly split the field. A selection of seven emerged at the front, featuring series leader Lisa Hermansson, Liz Van Houweling, Tiffany Penner, Selene Colombi, Elyse Gallegos, Nicole Meyer, and Melissa Aitken, who dug deep to close a small gap and solidify the break.

The group kept a controlled tempo, allowing Michele Gagnon and B-category riders Camila Ahlberg, Stephanie Briggs, and Diane Boman to claw their way back just before the second lap began. With twelve riders back together, the race still hung in the balance.

By the second ascent of the Koppenberg, the selection was reduced to six—Hermansson, Van Houweling, Penner, Gallegos, Meyer, and Colombi. The group remained intact over the Eichenberg, extending their advantage to forty-five seconds over Aitken, who refused to surrender.

Just when it seemed like the front group was set, Aitken mounted an impressive comeback, dragging Ahlberg with her to rejoin the leaders as they crossed the line for the final lap.

Seven riders hit the lower slopes of the last Koppenberg climb, but the relentless climbing efforts finally took their toll. Gallegos launched a vicious attack, blowing the group apart and leaving only three riders at the top. Meyer managed to fight her way back on, just in time for one last showdown on the Eichenberg.

Gallegos attacked again, cresting the climb alongside Hermansson, with a ten-second gap over Colombi, Van Houweling, and Meyer. But the trio behind wouldn’t go down without a fight, closing the gap to set up a thrilling run to the line.