The UAE Team ADQ on the podium with Megan Jastrab in Oetingen.

BRUSSELS, March 12, 2026 (WAM) -- Megan Jastrab secured her first podium finish representing UAE Team ADQ by placing third in the IXINA Leeuw-Oetingen race in Belgium. With the support of her teammates, Jastrab played a leading role in the final stretch of the 140-kilometer race from Sint-Pieters-Leeuw to Oetingen. In the early stages of the race, thanks to the efforts of Alena Ivanchenko, Fee Knaven, and Eilidh Shaw, the team took on the responsibility of controlling the peloton and protecting their fast riders. At a crucial moment, Belgian rider Febe Jooris played a critical role at the front of the group, perfectly positioning Megan Jastrab and Sofie van Rooijen. In the final kilometers, Van Rooijen's task was to place her American teammate at the foot of the short climb that would determine the race's outcome. The lead-out was executed flawlessly, and Jastrab began the climb alongside the front group of riders. When Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx – Protime) launched her attack, only Fleur Moors (Lidl – Trek) was able to follow her. The two riders quickly opened a gap in the last 2 kilometers and sprinted for victory, with Wiebes claiming the win. Behind them, another duo formed with Megan Jastrab and Ilse Pluimers (AG Insurance – Soudal Team). In the sprint for third place, the UAE Team ADQ rider emerged as the fastest, achieving her team's first podium finish. After the race, Jastrab stated, “I am really happy with this podium, and I think it’s a great result for the team. I was expecting an attack from Wiebes in the final, and she was very strong; she deserved the victory. Today, my team did a great job of protecting me and keeping me in a good position, especially in the rocky sections and before the climb. I am really happy to have completed this with a podium.”

(Source: WAM.ae)