Demi Vollering, representing Team SD Worx, emerged victorious in the 2023 Tour de Romandie Féminin, clinching the overall yellow jersey. However, the victory was no walk in the park, as she faced stiff competition right till the final day.
The concluding stage, which spanned 131.9 km leading into Nyon, witnessed Liane Lippert of Movistar Team securing the day’s win, beating out rivals Fem van Empel (Jumbo-Visma) and Silvia Persico (UAE Team ADQ) in a nerve-wracking field sprint. An ebullient Lippert praised her team’s efforts in supporting her throughout, particularly noting Paula Patiño’s essential role in the final stages. Expressing her delight, Lippert commented on the significance of winning in Switzerland, which she considers her second home due to her dual German and Swiss heritage.
Amidst a flurry of attacks, Yesterday’s Stage 2 winner Demi Vollering, managed to maintain her six-second lead over Kasia Niewiadoma of Canyon-SRAM, thus solidifying her overall victory. With Marlen Reusser, also from Team SD Worx, securing third place on the podium, the day ended on a high note for the team.
The stage’s route began in Vernier and coursed through a challenging route inclusive of third-category climbs such as Mont-sur-Rolles and Le Molard. Early attacks were seen from Mireia Benito and a slew of other riders. Despite gaining a 50-second lead, the group was eventually absorbed back into the peloton. Drama ensued as Sofia Bertizzolo, the Stage 1 victor, broke away to claim maximum points at an intermediate sprint before falling back to the main group.
The latter half of the race was nothing short of dramatic. The second climb of Le Molard saw Team DSM-Firmenich setting a punishing pace, causing many to fall behind. Lippert’s move near the summit allowed only a select few to keep up. Yet, the landscape of the race kept shifting with multiple attacks and counterattacks.
Juliette Labous, Ricarda Bauernfeind, Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, and many others launched their attacks, each meeting with strategic responses from their competitors. Niamh Fisher-Black’s valiant efforts resulted in her losing the white jersey. This strategic dance continued till the last 25 kilometres where the frequency of attacks intensified.
As the finish line neared, Rosita Reijnhout’s efforts at the 12.2km mark, brought back Peperkamp and Shackley’s lead. Bauernfeind’s final solo attack at 10 km left her 13 seconds ahead, but a relentless chase led by Reusser and Vollering saw her advantage vanish by the 8km mark.
In the climax, just before the finish line, Team DSM-Firmenich tried to steal the show with Vinke and Peperkamp attacking. But swift moves by Niedermaier and Kim Cadzow ensured a group finish. The last few hundred metres were thrilling, as riders launched their sprints. It was here that Lippert showcased her mettle, overpowering Van Empel and clinching the stage win, with Persico closely following.
2023 Tour de Romandie Féminin Sage 3 result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Sprint Cycling Agency
