Team Visma | Lease a Bike shows improvement in second stage Tour of Britain Women
In the second stage of the Tour of Britain Women, Team Visma | Lease a Bike made a better impression. In the challenging stage to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Imogen Wolff and Linda Riedmann battled for the podium spots for a long time. Mara Roldan eventually soloed to victory.
In the second stage of the British four-day race, the riders were presented with a difficult finale. Wolff and Riedmann showed themselves at the front on the short but steep climbs and were part of a select group that could hope for the day's victory. Mara Roldan went on the attack on Marske Lane and opened up a big lead in a short time. She eventually managed to cross the line solo.
Just over 20 seconds behind the winner, Wolff and Riedmann reached the finish line inside top twenty “We were able to completely turn yesterday's feeling around,” sports director Robby Cobbaert said. "Where we missed the battle yesterday, today we were with two - and even briefly with three when Margaux was still there - in the first group. I can only be very satisfied with that."
"This gives confidence for the next few days."
After Roldan rode away, the Team Visma | Lease a Bike duo kept quiet. "It wasn't up to us to take the initiative. We hoped the gap was closed on the final climb so we could still go for third place. Unfortunately, Linda and Imogen struggled on the final climb and finished in 13th and 16th place. All in all, this gives confidence for the next few days."
According to Cobbaert, another challenging stage awaits tomorrow. "With almost 145 kilometers and more than 2,000 altimeters, it will be a very tough ride. The last climb is far before the finish, so it would be nice if Imogen can sprint for victory in a group of about 20 riders. After today's ride, we will take a good mindset with us."