After losing ground to a couple of dangerous riders in Monday’s hectic finale, Annemiek van Vleuten‘s hopes at the Tour de France Femmes took a rather more worrying turn for the worse on stage 3.
The Dutchwoman, the major pre-race favourite for the overall title, reached the finish line atop the steep ramp in Épernay with shoulders swinging, weaving across the road as she fought to limit her losses.
Sickness would appear to be the explanation, as Cyclingnews heard her complaining of stomach problems back at her team bus after the stage.
Van Vleuten had been strong enough to make the key selection over the Côte de Mutigny with 15km to go on a punchy finale in the champagne hills. However, on the penultimate climb of the Mont Bernon with 5km to go she started to struggle, and was dropped from the lead group of a dozen riders.
The Giro Donne champion managed to claw her way back on but was distanced again as soon as the ramp to the finish line kicked up with 350 metres to go.
She crossed the line in 10th place, 20 seconds down on stage winner Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (FDJ-Suez-Futuroscope), and also conceded 18 seconds to the race leader, Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma), as well as Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (SD Worx), Silvia Persico (Valcar-Travel & Service), Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo), and Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM).
Although she moved up to ninth overall, she is now 1:14 off Vos’ lead, and just under a minute behind Longo Borghini and Niewiadoma, who stole 30 seconds in a late break on stage 2.
Back at her bus, Van Vleuten was visibly upset. She did not speak with the press but had spoken briefly to Dutch broadcaster NOS after the finish line and confirmed she was struggling with her stomach.
Eurosport’s Iris Slappendel, who commentates from an in-race motorbike, reported that she had seen Van Vleuten stop for a “very necessary” nature break in the final half of the stage.
More to follow.
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