HITTING HER STRIDE
WHEN ANNEMIEK VAN VLEUTEN ATTACKED UP THE MUUR ON FEBRUARY 29 IN OMLOOP, THERE WAS ONLY ONE RIDER ABLE TO STAY ON HER WHEEL: FLOORTJE MACKAIJ.
As Van Vleuten began to stretch the peloton out through the centre of Geraardsbergen, past the fairground rides and onto the cobbles that signal the foot of the climb, gaps began to open. 2019 winner Chantal Blaak initially stuck with Van Vleuten, but as the gradient ticked up, five per cent, eight per cent, riders dropped back. Only Mackaij, noticeable in the red of Team Sunweb, kept pace with Van Vleuten’s acceleration, eyes glued to her back wheel.
As the slope got steeper and steeper, up to 19 per cent, Van Vleuten edged away from her younger compatriot, and when the church at the top came into view she was alone. By now there was no catching her and Van Vleuten romped emphatically to the victory. Mackaij held on for third place.
Mackaij’s move didn’t win the race, but it had been her own statement of intent for the classics campaign to come.
