When Demi Vollering (SD Works-Protime) failed in her attempt to climb the Col du Grandon in the Tour de France women's race and win the overall, it was neither yellow jersey Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) nor the or the GC favorites before the race, but Pauliena Royackers.

Reuijckers jumped on her compatriot's wheel 2.4km from the top of the climb in the horse category and held onto it for nearly the entire last 60km, finishing a stunning second behind Vollering in the Alpe d'Huez.

This result may have come as a surprise to many, including Louis Jackers, but sport director Michel Cornelisse always kept the faith.

“These climbs (Col du Grandon and Alpe d'Huez) suit Pauliena very well. She has already shown twice in the Giro and in the Brockhaus that these climbs suit her very well,” the sport director told Cycling News after the final stage to Le Grand-Bornand.

The 31-year-old Dutch rider came into the final stage in seventh place overall, but was not expected to make the overall podium after finishing fourth in the Giro d'Italia women's race last month and second behind Vollering in the 2022 Italia women's race. [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] Two weeks of high-altitude camping in the Alps laid the foundation for the team's outstanding performance during the past week.

“If you look at this team from two years ago, that guy in the blue shirt is the big boss,” Cornelisse said, pointing to Roodhoft by the bus.

“He believes in the team, he invests a lot in the team. He spent 14 days in La Plagne for training camp, which is not cheap, but Big Boss believes in it.

“This team is really professional. Even at the high altitude camps, they work together on meals and even small things. There is no separation between the men's team and the women's team; they are both equal.” So we adopt their good points and they adopt our good points. Everything is equal, including the coaches, and I think that really makes a big difference, and the belief in this team helps a lot”

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In last year's Tour, Yara Castellaine lit a fire in Phoenix Desseuninck with her magic solo victory in Rodez. [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...]