We’re ending the European leg of the Women’s WorldTour in the Netherlands at the Simac Ladies from October 8 through 13.
A race week that showcases the very best of Dutch racing, we begin with a time trial, take a trip to the notorious VAMberg cobbled climb, battle high winds, and numerous chances for bunch sprints before a rolling final stage in Arnhem.
The stage race will act as the final race week in Audrey Cordon-Ragot and Alice Wood’s glittering careers. The retiring duo are joined by home rider Marit Raaijmakers, Romy Kasper – fresh off finishing fifth at the Gravel World Championships – and Linda Zanetti.
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The Last Dance
The Simac Ladies Tour will be the final race week of Audrey Cordon-Ragot’s 16-year career.
“I’ve tried not to think about it too much,” she says. “I’ve managed to stay focused and still train hard so I’m proud of myself for having that focus which was really important for me this year to keep that motivation.”
In 2022, the race was the site of one of her biggest victories where she won the individual time trial and scored second overall. This year, we start with a 10.1km time trial around Gennep.
“For sure it’s going to be special because it will be the last time I wear it in a race,” she explains. “I won at Simac in this jersey in 2022 and it would be super nice to do it again. I’m so proud to wear it whenever I can.”
Former British national champion Alice Wood also draws the curtains on her professional career this week.
“It’s a weird feeling to know this will be my last race,” says the 29-year-old. “I still feel this is the perfect time for me to end my career.”
Wood has had success at this race before, finishing second to Marianne Vos on the rolling Arnhem circuit stage in 2021.
“I have often had some good results at this race and in the Netherlands, so hopefully, I can end on a high.”
Simac Ladies Tour stage-by-stage
10/8 Stage 1 | Gennep – Gennep (10.1km) ITT
We start with a 10km race of truth which, due to the rest of the stages, will be a decisive marker for who will take overall victory in Arnhem.
10/9 Stage 2 | Coevorden – Assen (154.8km) Flat with cobbles
With an ascent of the cobbled VAMberg, possibly one of the Netherlands’ most famous climbs, and a crossing of the Steenhopenweg cobbled sector, stage 2 is reminiscent of the now defunct Ronde Van Drenthe’s previous route. Like many of those editions, the trigger points will test the peloton but it will more than likely end in a bunch sprint.
10/10 Stage 3 | Zeewolde – Zeewolde (148.4km) Flat
The vast majority of stage 3 is actually raced below sea level with overall elevation gain topping out at just 126 meters. Skirting the coast, the peloton is racing in Flevoland, a windy area of the country, and so although there’s hardly any uphill to speak of, it will be a tough day if the winds are blowing.
10/11 Stage 4 | Ede – Ede (118.2km) Flat
Stage 4 should follow a familiar pattern, a ride through the outskirts of Ede before a practically dead-straight finish, perfect for the sprinters.
10/12 Stage 5 | Doetinchem – Doetinchem (140km) Flat
Stage 5 does throw up a few lumps and bumps in the middle of the day but the technical nature of the parcours is what will really test the riders. Even so, expect another bunch sprint finish.
10/13 Stage 6 | Arnhem – Arnhem (145.8km) Rolling
The Simac Ladies Tour ends with a rolling stage around Arnhem. The overall could be won and lost here with last year’s similar stage coming down to a reduced group sprint.
Follow comprehensive coverage of Human Powered Heath’s fortunes throughout the week via the team’s Instagram, Facebook, and X accounts.
