In the group behind, Team SD Worx had two more leaders in Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Demi Vollering. Everything came back together and a few kilometres further Van Vleuten went again. “On the steepest part of the Roche-aux-Faucons we couldn’t follow,” said Demi Vollering. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t close the gap on the flatter parts of the climb either, leaving Annemiek with an advantage at the top. In the last ten kilometres, it is mostly downhill, which makes it difficult to catch someone back. Especially when not everyone rides full speed in the pursuit.”
Vollering was hoping for more than a third place in her favourite race. “Marta Cavalli and Elisa Longo Borghini were playing a little too much poker. I urged them to ride harder, but in the end Annemiek was just very strong. I missed those small percentages to be able to follow her. Why is that? Unfortunately, my period was very inconvenient this time. So I missed some freshness.
With third places in Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, second places in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Amstel Gold Race and a convincing win in Brabantse Pijl, Demi Vollering rode very consistently in the spring classics. “I can definitely be satisfied with my spring. Although I would have really liked to win La Doyenne for a second time.” Now follows a period of rest for Vollering, after which she will explore a few stages of the Tour de France Femmes.