With a hard final stage in and around Arnhem the peloton finished this year`s edition of the Simac Ladies Tour. Liv Racing Xstra was riding very aggressive in this final stage.
After a technical time trial – in which Alison Jackson was the best Liv Racing Xstra rider at a 11th position – the peloton started in Arnhem for the final stage over 150,3 kilometres. Liv Racing Xstra immediately showed its intentions. Silke Smulders was involved in an early breakaway, but that group was reeled in quickly. Jeanne Korevaar was the next rider of our team who went on adventure. Together with three other riders Korevaar built up a one minute lead.
The peloton kept an high tempo, so the group with Korevaar was caught quickly. Another group of three riders took off and took a three minute lead. The peloton had a hard day chasing the lead group, but managed to close the gap with the leaders 15 kilometres to go. Several riders tried to escape then, amongst others Alison Jackson tried her luck inside the final 10 kilometres. The Canadian rider took a small gap, but was caught was again. Another two riders took off at 5 kilometres from the finish. Against all odds the leading duo stayed ahead. In the chase group Jackson was the first Liv Racing Xstra rider in a 16th place. In the final overall classification Jackson finished 8th.
“We have followed our plan in the final stage: attack, attack and attack. Alison opened the final with her attack, but didn`t get any space. We hoped Silke could take over, but that didn`t happen unfortunately. We can be satisfied over the whole race. Our goal was to go for a stage win, but after the crash of Amber and Rachele on the first day we had to adjust those ambitions a little. Seen the circumstances we did a good race. We can look forward to a good final part of the season”, sports director Wim Stroetinga told after the final stage.