After three podium places in the first three Monuments, Team Visma | Lease a Bike was determined to have a shot at prizes in the fourth Monument as well. Ferrand-Prévot was still well in front on the Cote de la Redoute, but experienced a difficult moment on the slopes of the Cote de la Roche-aux-Faucons.

The Frenchwoman, who had impressively won Paris-Roubaix two weeks ago, rode uphill at her own pace and eventually crossed the finish line in 12th place. "As a team, we delivered a good performance. Everyone did their best and supported me all day," Ferrand-Prévot said.

"At 25 kilometres from the finish line, I noticed I couldn't compete for the win. I didn't have the same legs as in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, but that's part of the process. After a long period of races, I now feel that I need to recover physically and mentally."

Sports director Jos van Emden looks back on the last Monument of the spring with a good feeling. "I am proud of the whole team. It was a tough race and the pace was constantly high. We did what we wanted, but unfortunately we didn't manage to take a good result. The Roche-aux-Faucons is an honest climb. We gave everything, but we came up short. All in all, I am happy with the way we rode. We can go to the Vuelta Femenina with a good feeling."

Ferrand-Prévot is already looking forward to the Spanish stage race. "The main goal is to win the Tour de France, so I think it's good to have a grand tour in the legs. I'm convinced we can show nice things in the Vuelta."