FDJ-SUEZ Futuroscope did not have a really good opening at the Tour de France Femmes stage 1. They lost Marta Cavalli to a crash on the very first day. What else is really left to say? as the team was since seen visibly suffering. But Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig decided it was time to save herself, and her team from the misery, and on 26th July, Tuesday, she won stage three. Giving her team new hope.
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Whereas Jumbo-Visma’s Vos finished in second place, and she will be retaining the yellow jersey. Team SD Worx’s Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio closed in on third.
The Top GC contenders formed a group of 10 women, who raced for taking victory on the last two climbs of the stage. Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar) was also included in this group, but given her illness, she could not perform her best. The overall favorite is suffering from some stomach trouble and was evidently in distress. Her team shared a statement on her behalf, stating:
“It started two hours after the first stage [on Sunday], I started to feel not good. I could not eat or drink, and I was super tired. I felt empty
She further added:
Yesterday I felt very bad but it was actually a victory to finish the stage like that. Today I had my first normal breakfast so I felt it would be fine, but you pay the price for being sick for 24 hours.
However, Ludwig was overjoyed by her win. She felt horrible for losing time in the crash that she met along with her teammate, but this win makes everything alright again. She was visibly tearful as she said:
It feels like such a good comeback after, I have to say, a fucking shit day yesterday. Losing Marta [Cavalli] and crashing and having to come back. I just love how the team kept the fighting spirit
She dedicated her win to her team who have always had her back through all the ups and the downs:
This is for my team – they did such a good job yesterday and kept believing in me. I love you guys. What a year for Denmark
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Also Read: Vuelta A España 2022: The Decision For Pogacar’s Future Is Here
Featured Image Via YouTube/ Cyling Video
