Ladies Thalita de Jong wins points classification in Tour de Normandie Féminin

The final stage of the Tour de Normandie Féminin proved to be thrilling. In the closing of the four-day tour, our riders faced a substantial elevation gain of 2,400 meters. Despite the challenging race, Thalita de Jong persisted in successfully defending her green points jersey, which she had held since Saturday, along with her overall classification. 

"We rode fantastically once again," shares a delighted Thalita de Jong. "We didn't have anyone in the leading group today, but within the peloton, I, along with Katrijn De Clercq and Anna Van Wersch, managed to stay constantly attentive in the front. When Riejanne Markus initiated an acceleration from our group 80 kilometers from the finish, I was the only one able to follow. It was a good situation, although it became tense due to a flat tire. Since everything was scattered, I couldn't immediately switch bikes and had to continue for quite a distance." 

Fortunately, De Jong managed to limit the damage and swiftly reconnected after the change. "The main focus was then to keep an eye on Victoire Berteau (Cofidis) and Lauren Stephens (Cynisca Cycling), my closest rivals for the green jersey. Although, in reality, that classification was never truly at risk." 

Thalita de Jong further emphasized her green jersey with a strong sprint, securing the eighth position in the overall standings. "I look back very satisfied on this tour. I still regret my time trial; if it had been better, I could have finished even higher in the general classification. But my legs are good, the form is there, and we were able to execute excellent teamwork. We can be proud."