The 39-year-old Dutch superstar suffered a mechanical during the eighth stage and changed bikes several times. However, she made her move on the last climb and no one was able to catch her. Van Vleuten powered into the gravel finale alone enjoying the moment.
Demi Vollering finished 30 seconds behind Van Vleuten and thus securing the second on both stage and the GC. Silvia Persico (Valcar-Travel & Service) finished third on the stage ahead of our expert, Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM), who secured her spot on the GC podium with her fourth-place finish on stage 8.
“That’s actually a dream that comes true, winning in yellow on the top. Wow,” Van Vleuten said after the win. “It was not an easy stage. It was not an easy week. It has been a super big roller coaster for me and even today it was not easy. But I finished here in yellow, solo, the best way.”
Marianne Vos finished safely to secure the Škoda Green Jersey.
Congratulations to all! It has been a privilege to watch it all on our Instagram channel through the eyes of Kasia. Thank you very much and special congratulations to CANYON//SRAM Racing on becoming the best team at the Tour.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgrIG5YoORr/