Marianne Vos has won the sixth stage in the Tour de France Femmes. In the 128-kilometer ride from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges to Rosheim, the 35-year-old jersey wearer was the first to cross the line after a sprint. Thanks to the corresponding bonus seconds, she strengthens her lead in the standings.
It was for Vos her second day success in this Tour. She was also the best on Monday. Her lead in the general classification over number two Silvia Persico has risen to 30 seconds. Demi Vollering is sixth at 1.11 against Vos. Annemiek van Vleuten is 1.28 behind.
Four short climbs
The peloton had four short climbs to choose from on Friday afternoon. Before that, it looked like the ideal ride for escapees, but for a long time the peloton didn’t seem intent on letting anyone leave. After 50 kilometers a large leading group, including Silke Smulders, finally got the space.
But they didn’t last either. The last escapee, Le Net, was caught about five kilometers before the finish. And so there was a mass sprint. The Dutch turned out to be in a class of their own in this.
Maike van der Duin from Assen crossed the finish line in 105th just over 6 minutes from Vos.
Lorena Wiebes falls
With twenty kilometers to go Lorena Wiebes crashed hard in the descent. Fortunately, she was able to get back on, but did not escape unscathed. She struggled to her bike and her elbow was bleeding profusely.
Of the six stages that have now been run, no fewer than four have been won by a Dutchman.