Thalita de Jong continued to climb places in the general classification at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, finishing within the yellow jersey group on stage 6 from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhône.
After an early breakaway was caught on the Col de Lalouvesc, a group of eight broke away to contest victory, with de Jong remaining in the chasing group of favorites, crossing the line half a minute behind winner Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance – Soudal Team). The result helped our Dutch puncheur rise two places to twelfth in the general classification.
“Climbing up to twelfth place in the GC is super nice,” the 32-year-old said afterwards. “I felt good today, at least much better than yesterday. The group went more easily today on the climbs because there was the break with three riders up the front. So we took the climbs at a nice pace.”
The pack eventually accelerated harder after the category two Col de la Lalouvesc, with de Jong able to hold a steady rhythm at the head of the group.
“The group became smaller, of course, but then I just focused myself on the GC riders as today was a day to stay with them,” she explains. “ I thought it was not necessary to jump to the attacking group because I was like, yeah, maybe it’s better to save more energy for tomorrow.”
Unfortunately, climber Barbara Malcotti did not start stage 6 and will focus on her recovery after a tough week.
Stage 7 to Mont Ventoux is the most anticipated day of the race. The “Queen Stage” culminates with the barren slopes of the bald mountain. The wind and gradient will shatter the race. Whoever triumphs here may all but secure the yellow jersey.
“I didn’t prepare myself fully before for GC, so now we need to focus a bit more on that, but I will keep the same rhythm because there are all the top riders,” she said. “This is the first time up Ventoux in my life, and it will be a very long and tough climb. So, I think everybody wants to be in the break before, and they might not want to let me go.”
Even though it will be her first assault on the Giant of Provence, de Jong can count on previous climbing experience at this level.
“For me, it’s about staying as long as possible in my own rhythm, and I think that’s the best solution to survive the day,” she explains. “And then in the end, we’ll see how far we can get. But, of course, it will be epic. I hope I can enjoy it.”
Stage Gallery
Photos: GettySport
