Mechanical derails Lorena Wiebes chances for victory on opening stage of Tour de France Femmes

THE HAGUE NETHERLANDS AUGUST 12 LR Barbara Guarischi of Italy Lorena Wiebes of The Netherlands and Team SD Worx Protime and Anna Henderson of The United Kingdom and Team Visma Lease a Bike compete during the 3rd Tour de France Femmes 2024 Stage 1 a 123km stage from Rotterdam to The Hague UCIWWT on August 12 2024 in The Hague Netherlands Photo by Dario BelingheriGetty Images.

Everything was unfolding perfectly for the SD Worx-ProTime team on the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes until disaster struck in the finale for sprinter Lorena Wiebes. Positioned behind her leadout, she was suddenly hit from behind by another rider, causing her to lose both her derailleur and chain, and with it, the chance at victory raced away.

In the final three kilometres of the 124km stage, SD Worx-ProTime took over at the front of the peloton with European champion Mischa Bredewold setting the pace. However, in the battle for position in the frantic finish, Anniina Ahtosalo (Uno-X Mobility) hit Wiebes’ rear wheel causing the chain to come off completely.