The start of the peloton in Onet-Le-Château took place yesterday afternoon under a great sun and on an extremely fast pace from the first kilometers. This combination of factors, coupled with a physical problem, unfortunately took its toll on Evita Muzic, who finished 8th in the last Tour de France for Women and was forced to retire on the roads to Albi.
In the wake of a difficult stage, the FDJ-SUEZ team was keen to get back into the swing of things and go on the offensive. This is what Loes Adegeest set out to do when he launched an offensive with 10 other cyclists less than 20km after the fictive start. Without gaining a significant lead over the peloton, this attack enabled Loes to anticipate the aggressive moves of a peloton deprived of its best sprinters.
With less than 60km to go, Cecilie, Marta, Grace and Loes were well represented in the lead group heading for the finish line. Germany’s Ricarda Bauernfeind launched the day’s decisive attack after the final climb of the day, the Laguépie and Monestiés climbs. Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, who finished in the group of strong girls, stayed in the same time, 1’49 behind the yellow jersey, and was 11th overall.
The team would like to reiterate its full support for Evita, who will undoubtedly come back stronger and more determined for the next Womn Tour de France with Zwift and will help write the history of the FDJ-SUEZ team.
