Kirsten Wild (NED) outsprinted her break companions to win the first stage of the Energiewacht Tour. Wild was the fastest out of a break of four riders, finishing ahead of Ellen van Dijk (Specialized-Lululemon) and Iris Slappendel (Rabobank) at the end of a 104km stage. Thanks to this win, Wild will start tomorrow in the leader’s jersey.
As predicted, the wind played a decisive role in the stage. Right from the start the riders battled to be in the first echelons. After 40km a break formed, which included Wild. The race was stopped several times due to the bunch taking a wrong turn and a bridge being open. After the last stop the final break of four riders formed. By 4km from the finish it was clear that they would sprint for the victory, and in the end Wild was fastest.
“This was the strangest race I have ever ridden,” said Wild. “We had to stop several times for all kinds of reasons. Anyway, the race went really well and I felt very strong today. I was isolated in a break of 22 riders and throughout the whole race there were many attacks. I jumped with most of them if I saw that each team was represented. We had to stop again 10km from the finish, and after that it was again full on with attacks. In the end I was in the break with three other girls. Ellen van Dijk started sprinting 300m out; I stayed on her wheel as long as possible and managed to overtake her in the end.
“The GC will be a bit too difficult, as there is a long time trial Friday, but we will definitely be aiming for more stage wins.”
