Seeing riders from Canyon-SRAM and Visma-Lease a Bike at the top of the results sheet of the opening time trial of the Simac Ladies Tour wasn’t a surprise – but instead of the names of Chloé Dygert and Riejanne Markus, it was Zoe Bäckstedt and Lieke Nooijen who were fastest against the clock. While 20-year-old Bäckstedt could celebrate her first pro victory, 23-year-old Nooijen was happy to confirm her time trial talent.
“A time trial on the first day is always a bit tense, but I’m super happy with how it went. Of course, seven seconds is a big gap on a 10-kilometre distance. The legs have spoken and Zoe is the deserved winner. I gave everything and am happy with second place,” said Nooijen.
