Maud Rijnbeek and Marthe Goossens of AG-Insurance Soudal Quick-Step clinched the third and fourth positions in the best young rider classification of the 25th Simac Ladies Tour.
Following a prologue in Ede and five stages covering a total of 580 kilometres and traversing both Belgium and the Netherlands, Maud and Marthe successfully secured coveted top-5 spots in the battle for the white jersey.
“I am very pleased with my performance in the Simac Ladies Tour and I feel that this race suits me well. I showed my skills in the time trials and the hilly stage in Valkenburg and I take pride in that. Simultaneously, we are diligently working as a team to improve our lead-out, which is steadily taking shape. The fatigue from the Tour de l’Avenir did pose some challenges in the final stage, but as a young team, we can take pride in what we’ve shown and the progress we’ve made. I would love to return here”, explained Marthe following her fourth-place finish.
“Overall, the past week went quite well, with strong time trial performances from our riders and we are inching closer to the top of the peloton. It was a competitive field, featuring teams like SD Worx. Regrettably, we lost our top position in the general classification on the last day, but it was still a solid week”, commented Sports Director Servais Knaven.
Maud added, ”The past week has been truly outstanding! I was extremely satisfied with both the time trials and the final two stages. I felt very strong and thoroughly enjoyed the races. The general classification was only truly decided in the last two stages and the hot weather added to the challenge. Thanks to excellent teamwork and support, I managed to handle those days well. I never expected to secure third place in the youth classification, but as the week progressed, I saw an opportunity to finish well, so I’m thrilled that it worked out! It was fantastic to conclude my last race of the year in this manner with the team.”
