Ilse Pluimers won the time trial in Borsele on Friday. The 20-year-old Dutch rider made her incredible comeback in this race after breaking her hand just over a month ago in Ronde van Drenthe.
“It really went super tonight,” said Ilse after the finish. “My legs felt super good. It was pretty dangerous with the wind, so I couldn’t lie down on my bars all the time. The turns were also hazardous because halfway into my race the rain started. But all in all, I am very happy with this comeback and it gives me confidence for when I return to the peloton in May.”
The rain and wind posed a genuine danger for the riders in this 20,6-kilometre-long mixed race for Team AG Insurance – Soudal – Quick Step’s elite and U23 riders. Mirre Knaven finished in seventh place. U23-teammate Febe Jooris was also in the top ten with a ninth place. Maureen Arens and Yuli van der Molen finished outside the top ten.
The junior team started their three-day stage race with a 14,2-kilometre-long time trial. Luca Vierstraete was the best rider in 5th place with Fee Knaven just behind her in sixth place.
