Liane Lippert: "I’m a bit disappointed to not win the sprint because this stage was a big goal"

The queen stage of the Tour of Scandinavia saw Liane Lippert take the silver. It came down to Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig and Lippert as both riders competed for the victory, at last, Ludwig took the gold.

“It was active race from the start,” explained Lippert. She continues, “Today the girls did a great job of following the attacks in the beginning with Léa, Leah and Esmée. Going into the final climb they did a super job again to position Floortje and I for the final climb.

There were several attempts but no major breakaway. Lippert followed behind Ludwig in hopes of stage victory. “We turned onto the climb in a good position and then the other teams set the pace in the beginning, which was good for us. I personally felt really good so also asked Esmée to push the pace and she did a great job, and several girls dropped. I was waiting for the steep part and countered there and was clear with Cecilie,” said Lippert.

Ludwig’s GC rank was at stake, and Lippert tried to use it to her advantage, but the Danish rider foiled her plan. “I think I did a smart final as she was up on GC so I put the pressure on her and fully focused on the stage but unfortunately she was just stronger in the sprint. I was one second too slow after her really strong acceleration and I couldn’t come closer anymore. On one hand, I’m a bit disappointed to not win the sprint because this stage was a big goal.,” concluded Lippert. She holds the second position in GC, just 1 second behind Ludwig.