For the SD Worx-ProTime team, everything unfolded perfectly on the opening stage of the Tour de France Femme. Positioned at the back of the leadout, she was suddenly hit from behind by another rider and lost both her derailleur and chain.

In the last 3km of the 124km stage, SD Works-Protime set the pace with European champion Misha Bredewald in the lead. However, in a fierce battle for the finish, Anina Ahtzalo (Uno-X Mobility) made contact with Vives' rear wheel, causing the chain to come off completely.

“I think I hit her derailleur or something. Something must have gone wrong with the gears or the chain.”

SD Walks Pro Time controlled the peloton for the 124km stage from Rotterdam to The Hague, avoiding all crashes in preparation for the chaotic finale ahead and setting up the lead-out train early for a local win.

“Lorena was really good and we were on super early, but the whole team is very strong,” Bredewald said, “but you need the chain for the sprint. But you need the chain for the sprint."

”We knew it was going to be a super busy race. But luckily nobody crashed. There were a couple of big crashes, so I hope the girls are okay.”

Avtsaro finished second in the first stage, which was won by Charlotte Kuhl (DSM-Firmenich-Post NL).

Vives also has a chance to win the second stage, a flat, short 67 km stage from Dordrecht to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

“It will be a rematch, but I feel really bad for Lorena,” Bredewald added.

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