Van Vleuten Makes Great Comeback In Holland
Annemiek van Vleuten continued her successful recovery from injury in the Boels Rental Ladies Tour by placing top ten overall in the race. Van Vleuten completed the final stage in 11th, a result that moved her up sixth place on the general classification.
The former Dutch time trial champion was hospitalised four weeks ago after being hit by a vehicle in training. A speedy recovery saw her start the Ladies Tour unsure of her racing condition.
"I was surprised to be in this shape. Especially in the time trial," van Vleuten said. "I started the first day with just following the peloton and focussing on finishing safe. By the last stage I was already thinking of how to win."
"I'm just happy that I could race again and also to race in the front group again. I tried three times to attack today, not uphill but more on the parts between the hills. I also tried in the last 4 kilometres because I did know that I could not win on the Cauberg finish."
"But it was super week and also nice to race with the youngsters to develop them a bit in racing in Holland. It was the first time I worked with team director Dirk Balinger and it was great."
Van Vleuten will continue racing next weekend when she lines up in Premondiale Giro Toscana Int. Femminile . Memorial Michela Fanini from 11-13 September.
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