Three breakaway riders, Adegeest, Van de Velde, and Van Empel, remain in the lead as the peloton closes in on them with 8km to go in the race. Significant splits in the field have occurred, and Van de Velde is attempting to break away on her own to win the stage.
The gap between the breakaway trio and the peloton is narrowing, with the peloton gaining ground as they head towards an intermediate sprint with 13km to go. The breakaway riders are fighting to maintain their lead, with the peloton led by Vollering closely monitoring the situation.
As the race progresses, the breakaway’s lead continues to decrease, with the peloton closing in on them with 15km to go before another ramp. Van de Velde, Adegeast, and Van Empel maintain their lead, with the peloton chasing them down.
Various challenges and movements occur throughout the race, with riders jostling for position and points. The breakaway trio’s lead fluctuates as the peloton continues to push towards them. The race features multiple climbs and intermediate sprints, adding to the intensity of the competition.
In the end, the race comes down to a sprint finish, with Vollering narrowly maintaining her lead to secure the yellow jersey. The stage proves to be a closely contested and thrilling event, with riders showcasing their skills and determination throughout the challenging course.
Overall, the race highlights the competitive nature of women’s cycling and the dedication of the athletes involved in the sport.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com