We’re three stages in to the seven day women’s cycling bonanza that is the Thüringen Rundfahrt stage race in Germany and Marianne Vos has been on the podium as many times.
The reining Olympic champion has had a testing couple of years as she’s struggled with injury and the troubles that brings. However, after one stage win at the Friends Life Women’s Tour, she’s already bettered that total with two wins at Thüringen as well as a second place at the end of stage two.
Clearly thrilled with the progress, she posted on Instagram after her stage one win: “Joy, inspiration, hope: today’s gifts at #thüringenrundfahrt.#thepowerofsport Thanks @RaboLiv!”
The race so far…
The seven stage race through the German state of Thuringia kicked off with a 67km stage, finishing in Gotha. The route was fairly flat, but featured cobbled sections, including an uphill cobbled finish.
Vos took the win, ahead of Canyon//SRAM’s Lisa Brennauer and UnitedHealthcare rider Coryn Rivera.
Stage two brought a 105km circuit race at Erfhurt. A group of the strongest riders including Chantal Blaak (Boels Dolmans), Elisa Longo Borghini (Wiggle High5), Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (Cervelo Bigla), Ellen Van Dijk (Boels Dolmans) and Emma Johansson (Wiggle High5) came to the fore. However, with 3km to go, Olga Zabelinskaya of the Russian National Team, put in a massive attack that no one could or would chase.
Eventually, Zabelinskaya finished 23 seconds ahead of the rest, with Vos leading them and taking second, ahead of Emilia Fahlin (Sweden National Team).
The distance ramped up again to 117km on day three, with tough cobbled ascents including the famous “Meerane Wall” – meaning steep wall.
It was another Chicken Dinner day for Vos, who broke clear of her accomplices to cross the line three seconds clear of Emma Johansson (Wiggle High5) and Ellen Van Dijk (Boels Dolmans).
The general classification and jerseys
With four days of racing to go, Zabelinskaya still leads the GC, with Vos in second, three seconds back, and Hohansson third, 21 seconds down.
Lotta Lepistö (Cervelo Bigla Pro Cycling Team) wears the points jersey, Elena Kuchinskaya (Russian National Team) leads the mountains competition whilst Alice Barnes racing for the Great Britain National Team wears the Young Rider jersey.
With their collective points so far, Wiggle High5 are once again top of the team standings.
Want to watch?
If you’re looking for highlights – you can see stage one here, watch stage two here and stage three here.
Alternatively, keep up with the action on Twitter by following #thüringenrundfahrt.
