Greig Leach

Annemiek Van Vluetin (Movistar) has bee unusually absent from the Tour de France Femmes, until to day. The Dutch former World Champion had been suffering with a stomach virus but announced yesterday that she was feeling much better. Clearly she was on form, and on fire today. She had left the peloton on the Petit Ballon before the on air broadcast began. The only one capable of going with her was Demi Vollering (SD Worx). Vollering had started the day in 6th overall with Van Vleutin in 8th. Both were just over a minute behind the Maillot Juane of Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma). As the two climbed the Col du Platzerwasel they had built up an eight minute lead on the Maillot Jaune. The two were the virtual first and second places on the road. It was equally possible that either would take over the lead in the Queen of the Mountains competition.