What a great ride by Christa Riffel on stage one of Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour today. More than 90km in an 11-rider breakaway, then dropped out of it for 2km, then fought her way back into it with 3km remaining, and then sprinted to 4th place!

“In the beginning it was fast and quite hard but when we had a good advantage the speed was steady. With 30 km to go to the attacks started and from then on it was really hard. I was glad I could manage to comeback after I got dropped from the front 3 leaders. I knew they also would be tired,” said Christa.

“I tried to be in a good position because of the technical final. It was really narrow and the best I could get was 4th. I was sad I just missed the podium.”

The stage was won by Barbara Guarischi (VRT), who takes the first leaders jersey. Christa is 4th on GC +14 seconds and should wear the Youth Jersey. The majority of the peloton is now more than 7 minutes down on GC.

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