In the Women’s Tour of Belgium, key events saw Justine Ghekiere of AG Insurance–Soudal–Quick-Step nabbing points on the Côte des Forges and attacking solo with a gap of 17sec. The race splintered into five groups, with 86 riders in the front group including leader Vollering. A crash involving Chloe Dygert and Neve Bradbury of Canyon–SRAM occurred, but they managed to rejoin the bunch. Sara Martin of Movistar initiated a solo breakaway, with a gap of over a minute. The riders faced wet and challenging conditions on the course, which resembled a spring classic with its industrial landscape.
As the race progressed, the front group battled harsh climbs and intense competition. The pace picked up significantly towards the final climb, the Côte de la Redoute. Martin claimed the intermediate sprint at Pepinster, with Kool taking 20 points for placing second. A brief pause occurred due to a closed level crossing on the route. The peloton saw some riders faltering due to fatigue, but Martin’s solo attack provided an opportunity for dropped riders to catch up.
Overall, the stage was marked by strategic team moves, challenging climbs, and wet conditions. The fierce competition and high speeds resulted in time gaps and group splintering. With relentless efforts from various riders, the stage showcased the determination and skill of the participants in the Women’s Tour of Belgium.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com