The final stage of the 2024 Tour de l’Ardèche concluded with a thrilling sprint in the streets of Privas, as Dutch rider Eline Jansen claimed her first professional win, holding off Letizia Borghesi and Maëva Squiban in a tight finish. Jansen, riding for VolkerWessels, delivered a powerful final effort to secure the stage victory, while compatriot Thalita de Jong sealed the overall win in the general classification.
The 80.6 km stage, from Le Pouzin to Privas, featured four categorised climbs, including the decisive ascent of La Croix de Cruas, positioned 30 km from the finish. Despite several attempts to break away, the peloton eventually narrowed to around 20 riders, setting up a sprint finish. Jansen described her determination throughout the race, saying, “I told the girls this morning we needed to win this stage. I knew it would be tough in the climbs, but I was determined to hang on for a chance at the finish.”
As the final kilometres approached, Jansen positioned herself perfectly, fending off multiple attacks. “The roads were very narrow, and the placement was crucial,” Jansen explained. “I knew I couldn’t let anyone launch the sprint before me, so I went first and didn’t let anyone pass.” Her determination paid off, as she crossed the line ahead of Borghesi and Squiban, securing her maiden victory as a pro.
While Jansen celebrated her stage win, De Jong completed a dominant display to claim the overall title. Having taken two stage wins earlier in the race, De Jong maintained a strong hold on the leader’s jersey, finishing fifth on the stage. “I’m super happy to take home the general classification and the KOM, points, and rush jerseys,” De Jong remarked. “I focused on Maëva Squiban and Marion Bunel, and though I got stuck behind a rider in the final metres, winning the GC is what really matters.”
Photo Credit: TCFIAFor Jansen, this victory was particularly sweet after overcoming significant physical challenges early in life. Born without a hip socket, she underwent surgery at age three and was told she might never walk. Reflecting on her journey, she said in a previous interview, “Doctors created a hip socket for me, and I was fully recovered by the time I was ten.” Now 22 and in her first professional season, Jansen’s triumph in Privas marks the culmination of years of perseverance.
Elsewhere in the peloton, young Welsh rider Awen Roberts delivered an impressive performance, finishing 15th on both of the final two stages. Competing for Canyon//SRAM Generation, the 19-year-old described the difficulty of the mountainous stages but expressed satisfaction with her efforts. “The last two stages were hard, but I was pleased to ride strongly with the front group over the climbs,” Roberts said.
The Tour de l’Ardèche saw Marion Brunel finish second overall, 53 seconds behind De Jong, while Italy’s Monica Trinca Colonel took third, 1:46 back.
2024 Tour de l’Ardeche Stage 6 result
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2024 Tour de l’Ardeche GC result
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