Race Preview: Boels Ladies Tour

The final two stages of the tour are in the province of Gelderland and are relatively flat but feature some kickers that could thin out a tired bunch as well as provide opportunities for breaks. Both stages look unpredictable, however with a closely fought GC battle on the cards we can forecast aggressive and exciting racing all weekend.

Contenders

The Dutch riders will have had this race earmarked on their calendar for a long time and many have spoken publicly about their ambitions for the week ahead. The big favourite heading into the race is the current World TT Champion Annemiek van Vleuten who has worn the orange leader’s jersey from start to finish in the last two editions of the race (12 consecutive stages). Van Vleuten returns to racing after a month of altitude training and will no doubt be looking to stamp her authority in the prologue and be hoping that her bid for the 13th consecutive orange jersey doesn’t prove to be unlucky.

Anna van der Breggen is another rider said to be targeting this tour and will want to take the win on home soil. The current road World Champion is clearly in great form; her powerful move in the final 10km of Plouay which saw her hold off a chasing bunch and win solo demonstrates her undespituted class and strength. No doubt she’ll pose a big threat this week.

The young Dutch talent Lorena Wiebes will be another rider to watch closely and she’ll be looking to use her sprinting prowess to power to stage victories. The current Dutch national champion has had an incredible season with world tour wins in China, London and most recently picking up a stage win in Norway. She’ll be hoping to add Holland to that impressive tally.

Another Dutch sprinter who will look to impose herself in this race is WNT Rotor’s Kirsten Wild. With trusted leadout rider and former winner of the race, Lisa Brennauer, also taking to the start, she will fancy her chances of being delivered in prime position to out-power her rivals over a long sprint.

Looking to upset the Dutchwomen will be Marta Bastianelli. The current Italian national champion had a great Classics campaign this year and took victory at the Tour of Flanders back in April. She thrives on Dutch roads so expect to see her challenging for the overall and stage wins.

After a tumultuous season with crashes and injury, Belgian’s Jolien d’Hoore (Boels Dolmans) makes her return to racing and will also be another rider to watch in the sprints. D’Hoore will be hoping the effects of her collarbone break are long gone and that she can finish what has been a difficult year on a high.

Other riders to look out for include the young Italians Paternoster (Trek Segafredo), Balsamo (Valcar Cylance) and Cavalli (Valcar Cylance) as well as breakaway specialists such as van Dijk, Ensing (WNT Rotor).

Just three weeks out from the World Championships the best riders are finalising their preparations for Yorkshire so we can expect to see some great racing. The best all round riders in the world are coming into their best shape and will be looking to make a statement in the Netherlands so it looks set to be an exciting tour.