At the halfway point, Markus also rode the fifth fastest time. She completed her time trial with an average of over 43 kilometres per hour. Anna van der Breggen won the title.

Markus was happy with her performance. “I had expected a fifth place beforehand. It was hard work on the road. I digested the first part very well. Then the heat started to play a role and it became difficult. During my ride I felt the confidence I was getting from the team car. I noticed that I was doing a reasonable time trial. In the end I gave everything and that was rewarded with the fifth place. I had to wait and see how I would return from the recent altitude training. Fortunately, I can conclude that I have ridden a good time trial. The difference with the winner has become smaller again. We can build on that. The focus is now on the Dutch road championship this Saturday.”

Sports director Marieke van Wanroij was pleased with her rider’s performance. “After the altitude training we were a bit in the dark about how we would come out of it. We did everything we could to be well prepared at the start today. Last week we explored today’s course. We knew what we had to do today. The gap to the competition has narrowed. That provides perspective for the future. Riejanne’s goal was to focus on posture and technique. If you can do that, you will feel comfortable during a time trial. Fifth place is a confirmation that it was good today.”