After a relatively quiet start to the stage, the peloton waited for the decisive final climb. Once again, it left little room for the escapees, who were caught well before the bottom of the climb. Anouska Koster and Niamh Fischer-Black attacked on the steep final climb. After that, it was up to the favourites. Van Vleuten and Ludwig both increased their pace. Only Cadzow and Marturano were able to follow.

Cadzow got into trouble twice in the final kilometres, but each time the young Team Jumbo-Visma rider came back strongly. Ultimately, the stage was decided by a sprint, in which Ludwig proved to be the fastest. Cadzow finished third. "Everyone worked very hard to get Amber and me to the bottom of the climb”, Cadzow said. "After that, we could both keep up with the pace. When the attacks followed, I felt I had the legs to go with them. I struggled a few times, but I can be happy with the result.”

Race coach Carmen Small: "Just like yesterday, the riders rode as a team. It was great to see Kim riding the way she did. She makes significant steps in every race. That is very good. Today, she made a huge step forward. She was able to compete with the best climbers.”

Kraak crossed the line half a minute down. The 29-year-old Dutchwoman moved up to fifth place in the general classification. "Amber rode a smart race", Small said. "She climbed very well in the chase group, so she didn't lose too much time to the other favourites. She is in fifth place in the GC, which is important for her and for us this week. It is going to be very interesting.”