In a thrilling sprint to the line, Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) took victory on Stage 3 of the Tour de Suisse Women. After 123 kilometres from Oberkirch to Küssnacht, the photo finish proved decisive for the Italian, who won by the smallest of margins ahead of Mischa Bredewold (SD Worx-Protime).
Today’s stage was always suited to the sprinters and so the second half of the race was characterized by the teams’ efforts to get their top sprinters into the best positions. In the end, Elisa Balsamo seized the opportunity early on and surprised her competition by launching the sprint. However, Balsamo almost celebrated too early – at the finish line Mischa Bredewold was right alongside her. It was only the finish photo that showed that the Italian’s front wheel crossed the line just a few millimetres ahead of her rival’s.
Right behind the duel for the day’s victory, Noemi Rüegg (EF-Oatly-Cannondale) secured another Swiss podium finish on the third day of racing. Despite her strong third place, she was slightly disappointed at the finish: “Of course you always want to win in a home race like this, but even if more would have been possible – I’m still satisfied.”
Reusser and Vollering down to the wire
The close duel for the General Classification had its most exciting phase in the two sprints for bonus seconds around 40 kilometres before the finish. On the Aegeristrasse – the more demanding climb of the day – Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez) attempted to gain bonus seconds by stepping up the pace. At the first intermediate sprint, she reduced her gap in the General Classification by two seconds, before Marlen Reusser (Movistar) countered shortly afterwards securing two seconds for herself to maintain her lead.
Marlen Reusser retains the leader’s yellow jersey following the third stage. With a deficit of only three seconds, Demi Vollering is close behind. It all comes down to the final stage tomorrow for the overall victory.
