Deignan escaped from the peloton on the first sector and was not seen again. In the chasing group, the cobblestone sections always caused significant differences. At 35 kilometres from the finish, there was a regrouping behind Deignan. Teuntje Beekhuis and Romy Kasper helped in the chase. At Carrefour de l’Arbre, Vos started her counterattack and quickly got one minute closer. After that, the difference remained the same. Riding solo, Vos was the second to cross the line at the Vélodrome.

“It was tough, hard work and, above all, very good positioning”, Vos said. “Some sections were very slippery, so I had to try to stay in front. Deignan’s attack was super strong. When she was two minutes ahead, I knew I had to go. After my attack I got a little closer, but the gap stayed one minute. Then I knew it was going to be difficult.”

She enjoyed the classic. “It was really fantastic to do. You can’t relax anywhere, you have to be alert constantly. The rain, wind and mud made it a wonderful first edition.”