Maike takes sprint jersey on stage 1 of the Women’s Tour

WORDS: REBECCA BLAND
IMAGES: HONOR ELLIOTT

Maike van der Duin impressed on the first stage of The Women's Tour, winning both intermediate sprints to take the red jersey. She also secured enough time bonuses for third overall. The Dutchwoman was the clear winner in both intermediate sprints today as the race wove its way from Colchester to Bury St Edmunds. The team rode well, with Maike’s teammates putting in a big turn on the front to keep her in position.

Gladys Verhulst also saw success on the road, but in the QOM competition, finishing the day in third place on the classification after fighting hard on the two category three climbs. Lizzie Holden gave us a little insight into the team’s strategy.

"We were committed from the start of the day to go for the sprints/QOM competitions, which Maike is now leading and Gladys third in the QOM competition.

"So although we didn’t get the whole end result we hoped for at the start of the day, I think we still have some things to be proud of."

After the sprint and climbing classifications were decided, the race was neutralised for almost an hour after an incident involving a convoy motorbike. During this time the decision was made to finalise GC position at 3km to go, as the closing kilometres into Bury St Edmunds were tight and technical with safety concerns raised.

"After the neutralisation due to a moto incident with around 40km to go, we were stood for around an hour trying to keep warm in the car with the coats from anyone we could find," continued Lizzie.

"It was a bit strange to start again and I think the whole peloton was a bit confused on what we would do from this point on.

"There was talk that we would not sprint and just ride to the finish and then finally we went for the sprint, but GC time was taken at 3km to go point."

A crash within the final 3km meant that the sprint was contested with a reduced bunch. Maike managed to secure 10th place, with third overall on GC and the sprints jersey to top off a hectic day in Essex.

"In the end I think the sprint was really crazy, and the plan got a bit lost in the final… but tomorrow is a new day and we have another chance!” added Lizzie.

Stage two looks to be another sprinter's affair – but with a slight rise to the finish and a punchy second half of the race, anything could happen.

Highlights of the stage will be available on ITV this evening at 10pm.