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Sporting her TT suit of European Champion, Ellen van Dijk took victory in Stage 4a of the Healthy Ageing Tour, an individual time trial of 15 kilometers in Winsum, The Netherlands.
As well as a battle against the clock, the riders also had to contend with a battle against the elements with temperatures as low as one degree (Celsius) and intermittent snowfall, as well as the ever-present Dutch wind.
Time trials are not frequent in the women’s calendar with this stage being the first opportunity for van Dijk to test herself in this discipline this season. As one of the pre-stage favorites, all eyes were on her to fight for the victory, and she did not disappoint. At the intermediate time check, she already held the fastest time, which she held until the finish.
“I felt pretty good, and I think it was a decent TT. It was the first TT on my new Trek Speed Concept, and it felt really good, so I’m happy with that. Overall, I have a happy feeling, but I’m a little disappointed to not take the lead,” said van Dijk.
As van Dijk was only 17 seconds behind GC leader Lotta Lepistö, she had hoped to take the yellow jersey from her teammate’s shoulders. However, it was not to be as Lisa Klein (Canyon SRAM) rode an impressive time trial to finish just two seconds behind the European Champ and take the overall lead in the process.
“I think it was a good ride. This was it for today; I just didn’t expect Lisa Klein to be this strong, but it’s a time trial and times never lie. I’m satisfied with my time trial, but I was hoping to get the lead in the GC with it. Lisa was just super strong, and that’s outside of my control. It’s a surprise to me that she did such a good time trial, but she deserves it.
“The gap is not too big, it’s eight seconds. But the problem is I’m not a good sprinter, and she is, so it will be hard to get seconds back - but for sure we’re not going to give up! There are still two stages to go.”
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