"These are not all stages where a lot is possible for me, but I really enjoy racing in the Netherlands" - Annemiek Van Vleuten ready for her last race

Annemiek Van Vleuten will make her final appearance in front of her home crowds on Tuesday at the start of Simac Ladies Tour. The Movistar rider, recently winner of the Tour of Scandinavia, is placed on a pedestal by her team for the latter race.

"The end of an incredible athlete," the Spanish team said in a press release. "Annemiek will ride her last race on the road, in her own country. The organization of the Simac Ladies Tour has contributed in many ways to this final race for Annemiek, so that our champion feels supported during her farewell."

"It is very symbolic to say goodbye there. In 2007 I raced there for Therme-Skincare as a guest rider. Then I was already out of the race after one day, because I was no longer in the race after a crash," said Van Vleuten herself about the choice for the Simac Ladies Tour.

"The last stage finishes in Arnhem, on Sunday 10 September. That is 25 kilometers from my house, where my boyfriend lives, and also close to the Achterhoek, where I grew up and have a fan base. These are not all stages where a lot is possible for me, but I really enjoy racing in the Netherlands and there will probably be some people from my area to watch. I think it's a nice way to say goodbye, which I can also enjoy."