Van Vleuten sprints to stage 3 win in Schleiz

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Annemiek van Vleuten (Rabo-LivGiant) won the Queen stage of the Thüringen Rundfahrt in Schleiz, followed closely across the line by race leader Emma Johansson (Orica-AIS) and Valentina Scandolara (Mcipollini Giordana Galassia).

"I really wanted this stage win, which was the priority today," van Vleuten said, adding that second place overall will not satisfy. She is now 11 seconds behind Johannson on the general classification. "Now, with my good overall position, yellow is of course something to look at. However, even now, with this very tight top of the standings, I don't think the Tour is going to be decided on bonifications alone. After tomorrow's time trial, we'll know a lot more."

Only 24 riders survived in the leading group, which brought back stage-long solo escapee Andrea Graus (Bigla) inside the final 20km.

In soaring temperatures, it took a while for a breakaway to become established, as the peloton reacted to every attack. Finally, on the first climb, made her successful move. While her solo escape was doomed to failure, and ended on the finishing circuit with 12km to go, the points gained on the climbs of the day moved her to second in the mountains classification behind Christine Majerus (Sengers).

While Graus built up a seven-minute lead on her own, the peloton was given more of a disadvantage when the convoy led the peloton off-course. However, she had her own mishap when she had to stop for a level crossing while later, the peloton went through unhindered. "Justice served", Graus said. "I am extremely satisfied with this stage, even though I would have liked not the be alone in the front. I am happy that have been able to perform well for our non-pro team in this high-class pro field of riders."