Annemiek van Vleuten’s overall victory in the first edition of the Tour de France Femmes may have come in the twilight years of her career but it was not a surprise to those who have followed her story closely.
With a second stage win in 48 hours, this time at Super Planche des Belles Filles in the Vosges, the 39‑year‑old Dutch rider emphasised her superiority over a peer group still coming to terms with her demolition of the field on Saturday’s summit finish to Le Markstein.
