Tiffany Cromwell moved back into sixth in the general classification after the third stage today in the Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour. Tiffany launched a late attack to try to snatch a second place on the stage, but was overtaken in the final hundred metres to finish tenth on the stage. Lucinda Brand (TFS) took the stage win, narrowly ahead of a small chasing group.

“After 70km the stage became faster and more aggressive. We had all six riders in the front until the climb to the finish at 2.5km to go,” described Tiffany.

“We rode well together. Only part we missed was that we didn’t have anyone who could follow on one of the climbs when Brand and Lippert went with around 15-20km to go. But we committed to the chase and everyone put their trust in me for the final.”

Tiffany continued, “All of my teammates were good today. Lisa (Klein) did a super strong pull riding the front with me second wheel from 3-4km to go until just before 1km to go. At that point I decided to attack as we were about to catch Brand and (Lianne) Lippert. Brand attacked Lippert at the same moment and I couldn’t get to her, but we caught Lippert. I pushed on with the climb and had one rider in front of me making the pace. I tried to go again just before the top and before 300m to go which was all downhill. I committed to ride it from the front and I didn’t look back. I put the riders behind in the gutter as it was a cross wind. I didn’t quite have the strength/power to hold on for the line for second place with Brand still ahead. I got rolled with 100m to go by the riders in my wheel.”

“I need to have more confidence in myself and my abilities at the moment. I’m definitely riding strong and I want to be able to deliver for the team. I just need to put it together in those last few hundred metres. Especially after the team rode so well together and supported me,” admitted Tiffany.

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