The day after Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the women’s peloton headed to the Omloop van het Hageland. The riders prepared for 135 kilometers of hilly terrain in Flemish Brabant.
After a cautious opening phase, a large group – including Van Agt and Veenhoven – managed to build a lead. Among others, Anna van der Breggen and Puck Pieterse were part of the strong breakaway. The peloton kept the leaders within reach for many kilometres. Meanwhile, Carlijn Achtereekte crashed in the peloton. The 35-year-old Dutch rider had to abandon the race and is undergoing further examination in the hospital. Around ten kilometers from the finish line, the leading group split in two pieces after an acceleration by Van der Breggen. Both Van Agt and Veenhoven were unable to keep up at the front. The Team Visma | Lease a Bike duo was soon reeled in by the peloton. The remaining escapees eventually fought for the win, with Femke Gerritse taking the victory.
"I look back on our performance with satisfaction"
Nienke Veenhoven
"It was fast right from the start," Veenhoven said. "After that, the race never really slowed down. We entered the final lap with a large leading group, but Van der Breggen accelerated not long after. At that moment, Eva and I had to let go. I tried to go for a place of honour in the sprint, but I was completely empty. It’s a shame we couldn’t compete for the victory, but I look back on our performance with satisfaction."
“We made ourselves visible […]
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