"The attack is the best defense" - Annemiek Van Vleuten quotes Johan Cruijff after second stage win at Giro Donne

Annemiek van Vleuten has paid tribute to one of the best Dutch football players Johan Cruijff after her solo stage victory in the sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia Donne.

"Everyone was focused on yesterday's mountain stage, so it's cool to win on a day that is actually for the sprinters," said Van Vleuten in her flash post-race reaction. "I could prevent that by attacking. When a plan comes together, that's very nice. It was a climb of 2,5 kilometers and you felt that everyone was still tired. At that point, my chances of making a difference increase."

After her second stage victory of this Giro, she now has more than three minutes ahead of the number two in the standings, Veronica Ewers. "It wasn't necessarily about saving time today. I want to enjoy the Giro, but I know I also have to stay focused. The attack is the best defense, Johan Cruijff once said about it," she laughs.