"We want to take the leader's jersey home, I expect a big battle tomorrow" -Cecile Uttrup Ludwig plans to defend her yellow jersey in the final stage of Tour of Scandinavia

After five days of struggle, Cecile Uttrup Ludwig has finally won her first stage in the Tour of Scandinavia. The Danish rider beat Liane Lippert to secure the victory.

Ludwig and Lippert were the final contenders for the stage win. She jumped ahead in the final 100 meters and took the victory. "The last three kilometers were really giving everything. Thanks to my teammates, I was able to win here. Tonight we might even drink a glass of champagne to it,” said Ludwig.

She continues, "The team rode so well today. We were always in the front of the peloton with the whole team. I really have to thank my teammates, they protected me all the time. Emilia and Stine rode a very good pace on the climb. It was clear they believed in me."

The peloton split into small groups at the foot of the final climb, Ludwig was leading with a 1-minute lead and aiming for stage victory, but DSM rider Lippert was following her like a shadow in hopes of a chance for a  surprise attack."From that moment on it was really giving everything. As a cyclist, you have a kind of killer instinct, I really wanted to win. In the end I succeeded, which made it a very good day for me."

Ludwig also gets to wear the yellow jersey in the final stage "We want to take the leader's jersey home. It will be tough, I expect a big battle tomorrow," concluded Ludwig.