Dictating the Pace TdFF24-35
With today's coverage I'm listening to the 'voice of cycling' Phil Liggett. He seemed as confused as most of us as to why Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM) was setting the pace up the Le Grand Bornand with just three kilometers to race. All of her challengers were behind her and it was up to them to attack her. Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) was glued to her wheel but seemed unable to attack due to the pace the Maillot Jaune was setting. Likewise, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) was also only able to follow the two marquee riders of the Tour de France Femmes. Much has been made about whether Puck would be able to climb or have the endurance for an eight-stage race. This is her first pro tour stage race. She has had quite an auspicious start at this level of racing having already won a stage and is wearing one of the leaders' jerseys having held two early in the race.
Later Vollering was able to drop Niewiadoma, but didn't gain any time with the exception of the four bonus seconds for taking third to Niewiadoma's fourth at the summit of the climb that marked the end of the stage.