Opinion: Annemiek Van Vleuten answers critics in style and puts down marker for the Tour de France Femmes
With a superb solo victory at Liège–Bastogne–Liège Femmes under her belt, Annemiek van Vleuten tops and tails the spring classics season with victories, silencing the doubters who questioned whether she would be able to achieve at the highest level again following consecutive defeats. The Dutch rider, who is 39 years old, launched one of her characteristic gritty attacks on the final climb of the day, the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, to distance her rivals and give her a huge boost of confidence as stage race season begins in earnest.
