Marianne Vos had just missed the victory on her return to Val di Sole, in Rucphen she did not want to experience that again. From the start, the Dutch set a blistering pace.
Only Lucinda Brand, Fem van Empel – the winner in Val di Sole – and Puck Pieterse were able to catch up. It wasn’t until the end of the first lap that Brand was able to catch his breath and take over.
Denise Betsema, who wanted to sneak closer in the World Cup standings, had missed her start, but was able to rejoin halfway through the race after a hesitation in the leading group. Not to hang in the wheel, but to take over immediately. Betsema slammed Pieterse and Worst with her acceleration.
Brand, Vos and Betsema made it a captivating spectacle until the final round: Brand took the initiative and shook the tree firmly, without result. Vos refused to fold.
Yet Vos saw the Italian scenario flash past: in Val di Sole she got caught on a pole, now she shot out of her click pedal. But now it could not discourage the crafty fox. At the last corner she had caught up with Brand again and in the sprint she finished it off masterfully.
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