Marta Cavalli revealed that although she has physically recovered from the injuries she sustained in a horrific Tour de France women's crash last July, the discomfort of riding in the peloton has not fully healed.

Cavalli, who competed in the UAE Tour Women as FDJ-SUEZ team leader, was caught in a crosswind and echelon on the windy third stage, which finished atop the decisive Jebel Hafeet, and dropped out of GC contention.

In a post-race interview with L'Equipe (opens in new tab), Cavalli said, "When the crosswinds started blowing, I was restless on the bike. It was a good learning experience and I know where I need to improve."

Cavalli also said.

Cavalli was involved in a crash in Provins on stage 2 of the Tour de France Fam and suffered head and lower body trauma, forcing him to abandon the race.

After a long recovery, he returned to racing in October at the Giro delle Miglia, Tre Valli Varesine, and Tour de Romandie, saying he was 100% recovered from the accident. However, he also said that he had not yet reached the best form that won him the Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne in early spring.

The UAE Tour was the first event of the season at FDJ-Suez and was a sprint race with a chance to decide GC on the summit of Jebel Hafeet on stage 3 of the four-day race.

Cavalli, who lost time in the crosswind to Al Mirfa on stage 2, was again caught in a crosswind the next day and rode fast into Jebel Hafeet (a 10km climb with an average gradient of 9% and some steep sections of about 11%).

Her teammates rallied to support their leader, but were unable to get her back to the front of the race in time for the final climb.

"Marta had a good climb, but she still feels the blockage associated with her fall in last year's Tour de France. She has a lot of uncertainty in the peloton."

In the end, Cavalli finished 4:21 behind stage 3 winner and overall winner Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo).

"Marta is not healed. We will finish this race and take the time we need to help her. We will take care of her," said team manager Steven Delcourt.

However, according to L'Equipe, from the base of the Jebel Hafeit to the finish line, Cavalli recorded the fastest segment at 33:30.

This shows that her climbing form is right where it should be heading on the European calendar. Marta is a great champion, a great professional, and she gives her all for the team."