Danish Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig has won the third stage of the Tour de France Femmes.
In the 133 kilometer stage from Reims to Épernay, the 26-year-old rider crossed the finish line first after a sprint. She narrowly beat Marianne Vos who finished second, but still retains the yellow jersey.
In the last 4 kilometers the leading group, including Vos and Demi Vollering, had two tough climbs to choose from. Vos and Ludwig eventually battled for the stage win. The Dutch came just short to book her second stage win in a row.
Maike van der Duin
Maike van der Duin from Assen crossed the line in 58th place, almost 5 minutes behind Ludwig. She loses her white jersey to the Belgian Julie De Wilde. The Assense is now seventh in the youth classification.
fall
From the start of the stage it rained escape attempts, but the peloton gave no one room for a long time. In the meantime, Femke Gerritse did conquer the polka dot jersey.
With 16 kilometers to go, Annemiek van Vleuten picked up the pace on the Côte de Mutigny. She got a small group of women with her, including Demi Vollering. However, she hit the asphalt not much later in the descent.
Elisa Longo Borghini decided not to wait and drove on with, among others, Van Vleuten still with him. Marianne Vos, wearer of the yellow jersey, and Vollering again found the connection with the front runners.