Annemiek van Vleuten seized power on Saturday in the penultimate stage of the Tour de France Femmes. The 39-year-old Movistar rider crossed the finish line well after an impressive solo and takes over the yellow leader’s jersey from Marianne Vos.
Van Vleuten took off with Demi Vollering after about forty kilometers, after which she continued on her own on the Col du Platzerwasel – the second climb of the day. She punched a gap of several minutes.
For yellow jersey wearer Vos it soon became clear that there was little to gain in the tough stage with a total of three climbs. She already had to release on the first col of the day (the Petit Ballon) and finished with many other riders behind.
Earlier this Tour, Van Vleuten had lost time in the standings. She had a lesser day on Tuesday due to stomach flu and then lost ground to leader Vos, but more than made up for that on Saturday.
The Tour de France Femmes ends on Sunday with another tough stage in the Vosges. The peloton then again has to cross three cols, the last of which is La Super Planche des Belles Filles.
Annemiek van Vleuten and Demi Vollering ran off together on the first climb.
Annemiek van Vleuten and Demi Vollering ran off together on the first climb. Photo: Getty Images
Van Vleuten takes matters into his own hands
Knowing that she was 1.28 minutes behind Vos in the standings, Van Vleuten decided to opt for the attack on the Petit Ballon. As expected, Vollering responded. Behind that, the group fell apart considerably, with Vos and polka dot jersey wearer Femke Gerritse as major victims.
Just before the attack by Van Vleuten and Vollering, a large leading group of no less than 33 riders (including seven Dutchmen) had been arrested. Lorena Wiebes was not one of the eye-catchers; the two-time stage winner dismounted earlier in the stage.
The two leaders drove further and further away, after which Van Vleuten took off alone on the Col du Platzerwasel (7.1 kilometers at 8.3 percent). She also never slacked on the final climb (Grand Ballon, 13.9 kilometers at 6.6 percent), took minutes on Vollering and has the overall victory up for grabs. Behind Vollering, the rest came in far behind.
Van Vleuten already won the Tour in 2017 and 2018, although it was a one-day race. Furthermore, three final victories in the Giro also adorn her impressive list of achievements. This year, for the first time in years, the women’s version of the Tour includes multiple stages.