On the Leberg, Marlen Reusser opened the debate, Ellen van Dijk and Liane Lippert followed, Anna Henderson was able to catch up later. On the Berendries the lead was about 30 seconds, which was further increased to one minute. Movistar then took the initiative in the peloton. In front, Reusser led the forcing on the Muur of Geraardsbergen. In the peloton, Van Vleuten attacked, and Demi Vollering was also able to keep up with her.
After the Muur Lotte Kopecky tried to make a solo effort to connect with Van Vleuten’s group, Henderson and Vollering, which meant there were three riders of SD Worx at the front. At 14 kilometres from the end there was a regrouping at the front, in which Kopecky also made the connection.
Team SD Worx was strongly represented in front, the signal for Van Vleuten to go on the attack. Again Vollering followed in her tracks and the lead grew wider and wider. Kopecky and Reusser did a great job of stopping the riders, which increased the lead to one minute.
Van Vleuten turned it into a long sprint, Vollering came close, but couldn’t pass her anymore. “I was in a comfortable position during the escape, Marlen and Lotte did a good job of stopping the pace in the group behind. I could rely on them, so Annemiek had to take the initiative,” said the Dutchwoman. “There was a strong side wind, so I couldn’t really recover in the wheel. She attacked early and I tried to catch her, but when I came alongside, I felt my legs deflate. It feels like a disappointment, but the form is good this early in the season. I would have loved to win for Amy, but I’ll definately try again.”