Marianne Vos managed to survive the cobbled stage of the
Tour de France Femmes. The Dutchwoman finished fifth,1 minute and 40 seconds behind stage winner
Marlen Reusser.
“Marlen Reusser attacked at the right moment," said Vos. She continues, "We mainly wanted to stay safe with the team and be well positioned in order to continue competing for the stage win."
She decided to play safe and focus on the yellow jersey. “We knew it would be difficult to take it all. That I can keep the yellow is therefore very nice. That makes it a good day," said Vos. She also shared the unique experience of riding in the gravel lanes."It's great when you're riding in front, but less so when you're riding a little behind," said Vos joyfully.
Besides gravel lanes, she also enjoyed the support of spectators ."I enjoyed it. There were also many spectators. The team kept me well out of trouble, that was the most important thing, and I am happy with that. I have the yellow jersey now, and the points I took for the green jersey are nice, but that's not my focus right now," concluded Vos. She continues to lead in GC.