CANYON//SRAM Racing started Holland Ladies Tour strongly today when it placed three riders in the top ten for the opening prologue in Wageningen. The 4.3km prologue was won by Annemiek van Vleuten (OGE) from Ellen van Dijk (SUN) with Lisa Brennauer 11 seconds behind in third.

The course started with an uphill section that allowed for most of the time gaps to be made. Mieke Kröger finished in eighth position, 19 seconds behind the winner. “I went full gas from the start. The uphill section at the start was where most time could be made. I’m happy with my effort,” said Kröger.

Brennauer looks forward to the next stages. “It was a great result of the team today and gives us good options and opportunities for the next days. Overall I had the feeling aggressive racing suits us and maybe there’ll be some crosswinds where we can show our strength and animate the race. It’s a good start for the team into the tour.”

With three riders in the top ten, and still an 18km individual time trial to come on stage three, Kröger believes the classifications will remain open for the next days. “We have to wait for our team meeting to see what our tactics will be for stage two. I think the next decisive time gaps for the general classification will be made on Thursday in the ITT. It’s a good start to the tour for us and we’re ready for tomorrow,” added Kröger.

Trixi Worrack will wear the sprint jersey for tomorrow’s stage two while Lisa Brennauer wears the QOM jersey. Stage two, 132km from Eibergen to Arnhem starts at 12:00 CEST. Daily highlights are broadcast on Dutch TV or can be followed on Twitter with #UCIWWT and #BLT2017.

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