Thalita de Jong placed 13th overall at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with Nina Buijsman finishing 16th on GC after the final 99.2-kilometer stage in Nice.
With four ascents of the Col d’Eze, beginning from the first kilometer, stage 9 was an aptly brutal ending to another epic edition of the biggest race in the world.
“I am really happy and proud that I finished my fifth Tour,” de Jong said afterwards. “I came in as a helper, trying to go for some stage results, and quickly turned into a GC rider. I had some really good days and raced focused. Everything I did, I tried my best. I am proud of that.”
The steep start to the stage caused early splits, with the fight for positions immediately of paramount importance.
“I knew beforehand that 11th place in GC would be hard to defend today and it was,” the 32-year-old said. “As a ‘diesel’ rider I struggled with the climb directly from the start. I think I went over the limit and then I did not recover anymore. I could not push and lost some focus and control.”
As per much of the race, de Jong could still trust in her teammates to lend their support.
“Lily did an amazing job in the downhill to bring me back to the first group, but I also knew I gave so much that the climb would be really hard,” de Jong explained. “It was; I gave it my all, but I could not push through, and I knew this was it. Luckily, we had a nice group; we did not go full because all the leaders were in front. We managed well to get to the finish line, but it was tough.”
De Jong had been fighting a sickness that came on in the first few days of the race. With restless sleep and at times losing her voice, the 32-year-old continued to fight, pursuing the best possible result she could in the GC.
“In the end I finished 23rd in the stage and top 15 in GC, with 13th place,” she said. “I think when you see the names in the list, I am proud of myself.”
This fight was testament to her indelible resolve.
“It was just too much for me today. The body was empty, but I gave my best for myself and the team.”
Elsewhere, compatriot Buijsman finished 12th on the day, confirming a top-twenty placing on the GC.
“I had a good feeling in the beginning and was ready to fight,” Buijsman said. “After I dropped, I tried to stay mentally strong and think from moment to moment of all the people who are behind me. It kept me in the fighting mode.”
The team of Buijsman, Carlotta Cipressi, de Jong, Barbara Malcotti, Marit Raaijmakers, Titia Ryo, and Lily Williams applied themselves with consummate effort throughout the race, carrying the message of True Health is Self Made through France and to a global audience.
The team ends the week with its joint-most successful GC performance across its five participations in Le Grande Boucle, but with athletes and staff harboring a drive and determination that more is to come.
Stage Gallery
Photos: GettySport
