Race report Stage 2 Tour de France Femmes: Charlotte Kool Claims Second Consecutive Victory
The third stage of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, a 6.3-kilometer individual time trial in Rotterdam, was a decisive moment in this year’s race. With the flat, technical course designed to test both power and precision, the stage was perfectly set up for the time trial specialists. In the end, it was Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) who emerged victorious, delivering a stunning ride that not only secured her the stage win but also significantly impacted the General Classification (GC).
The Course
The time trial course in Rotterdam was a relatively short one, covering just 6.3 kilometers, but it was packed with challenges. The flat terrain meant that maintaining a high speed and perfect aerodynamic position were crucial. The technical nature of the course, with several sharp corners and narrow streets, required riders to balance their power output with careful handling and efficient cornering.
The start and finish lines were set against the backdrop of Rotterdam’s modern skyline, creating a visually striking setting for the race. The riders had to tackle several tricky sections, including a sequence of tight corners in the middle part of the course that tested their bike handling skills.
Vollering’s Dominance
Demi Vollering, who was already considered a top contender for the overall victory, delivered a masterclass in time trialing. From the moment she left the start ramp, Vollering was fully committed, powering through the course with a seamless combination of speed and control. Her performance was a clear statement of intent, as she not only aimed for the stage win but also to gain precious seconds in the GC.
Vollering’s time of 7 minutes and 41 seconds was the fastest of the day, putting her at the top of the leaderboard and solidifying her position as a serious contender for the yellow jersey. Her victory was even more impressive given the quality of the competition, with many of the world’s best time trialists also in the mix.
Grace Brown (Australia), known for her time trialing prowess, also put in a strong performance, finishing just a few seconds behind Vollering. The Olympic champion had to change her golden TT bike during the race due to a mechanical. That threw the Australian rider off and was never a real contestant anymore. Brown’s ride moved her up in the GC though, positioning her as a serious threat as the race heads into more challenging terrain.
The Battle for the GC
The time trial was always going to be a key stage for the GC contenders, and Vollering’s performance has now put her in a strong position as the race progresses. The time trial saw several shifts in the overall standings, with some riders gaining valuable time while others lost ground. Lorena Wiebes was the first main contender for the yellow jersey. She had 16 seconds over Charlotte Kool, the leader in the general classifications and had to ride the time trial of her life. Before her Vollering set a whopping 5 seconds fastest time, with Vollering having a great time trial as well, it came down to how many seconds later Kool could finish. 15…. But it became 20 so Kool lost the yellow jersey to Demi Vollering.
Post race reactions
Demi Vollering
I was really not busy with making a statement or doing very good here. I just wanted to do the best I could do. It’s strange because I really didn’t see this coming. So I’m really surprised myself. I also asked a few times what is the result? What’s the result? I had no idea. And then, yeah, at one point I heard a few times, yeah, you have the fastest time. And I was like, yeah, you sure of your thing? So I really didn’t think about now.
Now leaving the Netherlands in yellow, it’s really special. I really. I never thought that I could do that here. And that makes it even more special.
Charlotte Kool
My tour is already. Yeah, more than successful. it’s been a roller coaster last two weeks, a lot of emotions, and I really hope that I never gave up, and I’m really proud that I didn’t and that in the end, we solved the problem just in time. It’s actually crazy if you think about it, but I think sometimes things just need to be how they are and then they fall in place on the right moment.
Lorena Wiebes
How did Lorena Wiebes start her time trial: ‘’yes, motivated, I wasn’t angry. Yesterday after the stage I was a bit angry, but I think that is normal. The Olympics didn’t go as I planned it then this was also a big disappointment so it is a human response to be angry hit your cockpit and then move on. Today on the morning stage it was my own mistake to start the sprint too early. I also thought the finish line came a bit earlier than this! I believed in it today then it was all possible today at the TT, but only if Demi didn’t need rode that hard today!’’ says Wiebes with a big smile.
‘’Everybody says that I am the best sprinter in the world, but I don’t believe that that’s true. they all expect me to just win, but it is simply not that easy. Every sprint is different, anything can happen. Sometimes a mechanical, or you are off with your timing but the result this morning did motivate me to set the record straight this afternoon in the time trial. For me it would have been better with a little bit more corners but at least I am happy that Demi took the yellow jersey today!
Chloe Dygert
Yeah, you know, it’s how it goes on the day. You know, I’m just here to do the best I can and, you know, work my way up to world championships, so, you know, it’s definitely a bummer not to stand on the top step, but I’m just thankful to be here. It’s my first tour. Yeah. So I’m just very blessed, and I’m just, you know, this is God’s plan, and I’m just trusting it. Normally, I would say a short course is for me. You know, I just didn’t have.
I didn’t have a good day today, so, you know, that’s just how it goes. But I’m just looking forward to the rest of the week and just trying to get all the fitness I can and be ready for world championships.
When asked if Dygert was fully prepared for it: ‘’I don’t think anything’s ever ideal, but we all had the same preparation, so there’s no excuse, there’s no complaint. It’s just how it goes on the day. You know, they just had a better day.
Grace Brown
Brown, who finished second, was also pleased with her ride. “It was a tough course, but I gave it everything I had. Demi was just too strong today, but I’m happy with my performance and looking forward to the rest of the race,” Brown commented.
The results of the time trial have set the stage for an intense battle in the upcoming stages, particularly as the race moves into hillier terrain where the climbers will have their chance to shine.
Looking Ahead
With Vollering now in a commanding position, the dynamics of the race have shifted. The GC contenders will need to reassess their strategies, particularly those who lost time in the time trial. The upcoming stages, which include both flat and hilly terrain, will offer opportunities for both the sprinters and climbers, but the pressure is now on to challenge Vollering’s lead.