Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon//SRAM Zondacrypto) takes stage 3 of the Tour de Suisse Women. The Briton prevailed in the sprint on the 120.8-kilometre circuit around Bad Ragaz. Lily Williams (Human Powered Health) is second, with Shari Bossuyt (AG Insurance Soudal Team) completing the podium. Jasmin Liechti (Swiss Cycling) is Switzerland’s best rider finishing in 5th place.
What looked on paper to be the easiest stage of this Tour was dominated early by a breakaway of eight riders. Kimberley Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance Soudal Team), Alice Towers (Canyon//SRAM Zondacrypto) and Juliette Berthet (AG Insurance Soudal Team) were in the group which led by two minutes at times.
In the second half of the race, the breakaway’s advantage steadily dissolved. The chasing peloton upped their pace ahead of the final intermediate sprints; Marlen Reusser (Movistar Team) seized her chance, picking up three valuable bonus seconds along the way in the fight for the General Classification.
With three kilometres to go there was a costly crash: second overall Ailish Lauren Dickson (FDJ United Suez) went down at the back of the peloton and was forced to abandon. Shortly afterwards the expected sprint finish did not disappoint. Young Briton Zoe Bäckstedt launched the sprint in the final 300 metres leaving her rivals in her wake.
Häberlin and Reusser in the top 4
Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) retains the leader’s jersey. Sarah Van Dam (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) moves up to 2nd overall, 35 seconds behind. Next the Swiss riders lie 3rd and 4th: Steffi Häberlin (Team SD Worx Protime) and Marlen Reusser (Movistar Team). Häberlin trails by 54 seconds, while Reusser, thanks to her time bonus, is just one further second behind.
Into stage 4 the situation remains open. Saturday’s individual time trial suits World ITT Champion Reusser. It is a golden opportunity for the Bern native to make up further ground in the General Classification.
