Race Report: Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Women Stage 4
Race favorite Demi Vollering of Team SD Worx-Protime wins the first stage of the Tour de Suisse Women and securing her lead in the General Classifications by winning in Villars sur Ollons.
The first stage of the Tour de Suisse Women 2024 kicked off today in Villars-sur-Ollon, featuring a challenging 58.6km route with a significant climb to Villars-sur-Ollon. Despite the short distance, the stage was intense, with the final ascent demanding the utmost effort from the riders.
Early Breakaways and Initial Moves
From the start, the pace was high. As the riders left Villars-sur-Ollon, it was clear that the wet and cold conditions could be a factor in todays stage with wet roads in the descents. The peloton faced the first climb almost immediately, and the fierce pace set by Team SD Worx-Protime caused several riders to drop off early.
Around 30km into the race, Elise Chabbey (Canyon//SRAM Racing) made a decisive move. The Swiss rider, known for her strong climbing abilities, attacked and gained a significant lead. By the time the race reached the final climb, Chabbey was leading solo, with a gap of over two minutes to the chasing group.
Team SD Worx-Protime was not content to let Chabbey ride away with the victory. Demi Vollering, supported by her teammates, led a concerted chase effort. As they approached the steep sections of the final climb, Vollering, along with Gaia Realini (Lidl-Trek), who attacked in the final 7 kms, began to close the gap to Chabbey. No one could follow the two strong riders, as Kim Cadzow and Elisa Longo Borghini struggled to hang on. Kasia Niewiadoma followed with 5 other riders some seconds behind.
With less than 5km to go, the gap had reduced significantly. Chabbey’s pace started to falter as the relentless efforts of Vollering and Realini paid off. At the 2km mark, Vollering made her move, launching a powerful attack that saw her overtake Chabbey. Realini followed suit, securing her position behind Vollering.
Demi Vollering crossed the finish line in Villars-sur-Ollon solo. This victory also placed her at the top of the general classification. Gaia Realini finished second, showcasing her climbing prowess, while Elise Chabbey managed to hold on for a commendable third place.
In the intermediate sprints, Vollering also took the top points at Villars-sur-Ollon, further solidifying her dominance for the day. The QOM points at Col de la Croix were claimed by Chabbey, followed by Kim Cadzow (EF Education-Cannondale) and Realini.
RESULTS
General Classification After Stage 1
With her victory, Demi Vollering leads the general classification, followed by Gaia Realini and Elise Chabbey. This stage has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive Tour de Suisse Women.
1. Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) 1:47:00”
2. Gaia Realini (Lidl-Trek) 26”
3. Elise Chabbey (Canyon//SRAM) 49”
4. Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek) 1:08”
5. Kim Cadzow (EF Education-Cannondale) 1:13”
6. Juliette Labous (dsm-firmenich PostNL) 1:27”
7. Marion Bunel (St. Michel-Mavic-Auber93) m.t.
8. Neve Bradbury (Canyon//SRAM) m.t.
9. Urška Žigart (Liv AlUla Jayco) m.t.
10. Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek) 1:39”
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow’s stage, a 15.7km individual time trial from Aigle to Villars-sur-Ollon, will be crucial. The course’s profile, featuring both flat sections and a challenging climb, will test the riders’ all-around abilities and could potentially shake up the GC standings.
