Marianne Vos has mathematically won the points classification after seventh stage: "I still have to finish on Alpe d'Huez tomorrow. That won't be easy"

Marianne Vos has solidified her lead in the points classification during the seventh stage of the Tour de France Femmes. The Dutch cyclist joined the breakaway for the second day in a row, took maximum points in an intermediate sprint, and thus secured the green jersey, as she can no longer be overtaken in the points classification. Her only mission on Alpe d'Huez will be to reach the finish line within the time limit.

As in Friday's stage, it took a long time today for a definitive breakaway group to form. "Midway through the race, I saw the wearer of the polka dot jersey escape and thought this would be a good opportunity to join," Vos explained in team press communication.

The 37-year-old was in the lead group with five other riders. The gap reached up to five minutes, making Vos the virtual leader in the overall standings for a while. "Today, I suffered a lot again, especially towards the end of the stage. The thought of winning the stage crossed my mind, but Justine Ghekiere was clearly the strongest today."

Vos was caught a few kilometers before the summit of the final climb by the peloton containing all the favorites for the general classification, but the Dutch rider refused to give up easily. "It wasn't too far anymore, so I gritted my teeth," said Vos.

The Dutch lady is now mathematically certain of the green jersey. "But of course, I still have to finish on Alpe d'Huez tomorrow. That’s not going to be easy. It will be a tough day, but one I can approach with confidence."