Charlotte Kool of Team DSM-Firmenich overcame the odds to claim the top spot in the third leg of the Simac Ladies Tour. The action-packed finish to the race in Lelystad witnessed Kool overpowering preeminent sprinter Lorena Wiebes in a gripping mass sprint finish. Meanwhile, Lotte Kopecky retained her hold on the overall lead in this Dutch stage race.
Just a day after Kopecky’s triumphant performance on Belgian soil in the time trial, the Simac Ladies Tour resumed its journey in the Netherlands. The Flevoland stage served as the last flat segment of the week, with the subsequent courses navigating the hilly terrains of Limburg and the outskirts of Arnhem.
The day’s narrative was largely shaped by a daring escape initiated shortly after the peloton departed Emmeloord. Anneke Dijkstra, Scarlett Souren, and Julie Sap set the pace as they broke away, maintaining a comfortable lead that spanned over 110 kilometres. At one juncture, their lead expanded to a whopping seven minutes, leaving spectators and teams wondering if they could sustain it till the end.
However, hopes for the trio’s stage victory dwindled as powerhouse teams SD Worx and Team DSM-Firmenich joined forces in pursuit. Their concerted efforts were fruitful as, with only 10 kilometres left, the breakaway was reeled in, setting the stage for what was evidently going to be a sprint finish.
The final kilometres saw sprint-centric teams meticulously manoeuvring their riders into optimal positions. Anna Henderson initiated the sprint in Lelystad. Unfortunately, she found herself trapped and subsequently sidelined from contention. Wiebes, one of the favourites, then surged forward, seemingly on track for victory. Yet, in a twist of fate, she was overtaken by a surging Kool. The end result marked the second time this race that the formidable sprinter from SD Worx was bested.
2023 Simac Ladies Tour Stage 3 result
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