Even if the last few meters were difficult, she did not tremble on the Super Planche des Belles Filles and its slopes of more than 20%. At 39, the Dutch Annemiek van Vleuten won the 8th and final stage of the Tour de France Women. Imperial the day before during the first mountain stage, she confirmed at the top of this breathtaking Vosges slope and therefore won this very first edition of the new Tour de France Women.
Victorious in the Giro three weeks ago, the Movistar rider had stolen the yellow jersey on Saturday evening from her compatriot Marianne Vos. In the general classification, she finished ahead of another compatriot, Demi Vollering, 2nd in this final stage. The Frenchwoman Juliette Labous (DSM), 5th at the top of the Planche, finished 4th overall.
Van Vleuten enrichit son immense palmarès
Still, the Dutchwoman could have had a frustrating stage. In question, a bicycle problem which continued him in the coast of Esmoulières (2nd cat, 2.3 km at 8.5%), then in the Ballon d’Alsace (1st cat, 8.7 km at 6 .9%). She had to change bikes three times and struggled to find her place in the peloton.
Despite these ups and downs, the 39-year-old champion did not let herself be defeated and put on a dazzling acceleration during the ascent of the Super Planche des Belles Filles, six kilometers from the finish. The Movistar runner caught up with the last nine survivors of the day, including Mavi Garcia, and apart from then raced in the lead until the end. She finished ahead of polka dot jersey holder Demi Vollering.
By winning the Tour de France, Van Vleuten further increases his gigantic list of achievements, already endowed with three tours of Italy, an Olympic title in the time trial and 14 Grand Tour stages.