In the first stage race of her career, Puck Pieterse was one of the revelations of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, winning a stage and up until the final day, being right in the mix for the Maillot Jaune.
On a massive day in the mountains last Sunday however, Pieterse showed signs of frailty for the first time, being distanced on the Col du Glandon and despite limiting losses on the subsequent descent and ascent of Alpe d'Huez, the 22-year-old dropped from 2nd overall at the start of the day to 11th in the final general classification.
“It's really cool. Today was one of my hardest days on the bike that I have ever had. It was a five hour long stage with two really, really big climbs in there. I really found my limits today I think," assesses the Fenix-Deceuninck cross discipline star in her post-stage interview, having nevertheless held on to win the White Jersey of Best Young Rider at her debut Grand Tour.
"I’m proud of my fight this week and how I’ve raced. I think I’ve done a lot of things right," Pieterse concludes her assessment. "To see Pauliena Rooijakkers finish it off on the podium, riding awesome all week and especially today, it’s just so good for the team.”
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