Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney started the day eight seconds behind the Dutchwoman and was determined to do what she could to overcome her overall deficit. She set her team to work on the second of four ascents of the Col d’Èze, thinning the peloton hugely and setting up her attack on the steepest slopes of the final ascent.
However, she was unable to shake Vollering, who attacked close to the top and rode to victory, winning the stage by 1:04 ahead of Paula Blasi (UAE Team L’IMAD), with Niewiadoma-Phinney third.
Vollering’s final GC advantage over Niewiadoma-Phinney was 1:18, with Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team L’IMAD) in third, some 4:29 down, after Marlen Reusser (Movistar) was dropped, then crashed and was unable to retain her podium place.
Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon-SRAM) was instrumental in Niewiadoma-Phinney’s efforts and finished fifth on the stage, holding onto the white jersey of best young rider, despite a spirited challenge from Blasi, who was second, 1:03 behind, with the aggressive Isabella Holmgren (Lidl-Trek) third at 4:02.
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Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.
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