Greig Leach

With another 74 kilometers to go in a 134 kilometer stage, both Pauline Allin (Arkea Pro Cycling) and Femke Markus (Parkhotel-Valkenburg) were surprised to see the peloton closing in. Markus had added just a single point to her Maillot a Pois, Queen of the Mountains tally. She would definitely liked to stay off the front longer to suck up as many points as possible. At this point, Pauline Allin was literally along for the ride. Now Markus was going to have to find the legs to go over at least two of the remaining climbs first if she wants to stay in the polka dot jersey.