Holding Them Off UCI22-26
Yes, Annemiek Van Vleutin (Netherlands) had the jump on all of the others (inluding some marquee sprinters) but she also had the legs to hold them off as they all sprint to the line in the final kilometer of the Elite Women's Road Race. I am sure at this moment she had no idea her elbow was broken. This was a race of grit, resiliance, and power. And it was a race that will have her wearing the Rainbow Jersey for the next twelve months, and the rainbow bands on her sleeves for the rest of her career. Behind her you can make out the light blue Belgium jersey of a very frustrated Lotte Kopecky who sprinted to the silver medal. The others trying to get up to the Dutch veteran included Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Denmark) - 5th, Liane Lippert (Germany) - 4th, and Arlenis Sierra (Cuba) - 6th. It may have taken a long time for the race to switch from a race of attrition to one of attacking moves, but it got exciting in the final twenty kilometers. Chapeau, Annemiek! It is a win well deserved!