Thuringen Rundfahrt der Frauen

[resal1]

You tube of the first stage here

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGdhb-6UqNs

also story and photos at
www.womenscycling.net
UCI 2.1 Tour on hilly terrain.

 

[Skip Madness]

Thanks for that video. Anyone who wants to catch the highlights or view videos from last year can see them here.

There are no big climbs in the tour but pretty much every day is lumpy. It's well-tailored for someone like Marianne Vos or Trixi Worrack. Or, for that matter, Nicole Cooke. Fabiana Luperini has been talking about redeeming her season after a disappointing Giro but I think she is using this for preparation rather than an end in itself, although she gave it a little push today.

I believe it's also Jackie Garner's first major race for Vision 1. In case anyone didn't hear, she joined the team recently while Gabby Day left. By the way, their website has moved to http://vision1cycling.com/, and the old address no longer works.
http://vision1cycling.com/

 

[Legs]

A shame Jackie and Katie are unable to continue gathering experience of racing at this top level. Dani King is well-positioned, holding her own in a very strong field.

 

[Skip Madness]

Linda Villumsen has tied up the overall classification, which takes here to seven elite-ranked victories this season - only Marianne Vos, Ina Teutenberg and Kirsten Wild have more. I don't think she'll be able to compete for the overall at a race like the Giro, but considering she is still 24 she is building up an amazing palmarès and will continue to do well in shorter stage races.