Lidl-Trek wrapped up the 2024 edition of the Tour de France Femmes with Gaia Realini fifth on the final stage and General Classification with Lucinda Brand joining her in the top 10, securing 8th overall.
The mythical Alpe d’Huez was the backdrop to a thrilling finale at this year’s edition of the Tour de France Femmes with Gaia Realini, who started the day in 12th overall, fighting all the way to the final kilometers of the stage with the yellow jersey and overall race winner, Kasia Niewiadoma.
The young Italian rider was part of a trio chasing down Demi Vollering and Pauline Rooijakkers over the course of the 21 hairpin bends that make up the iconic climb. Despite being distanced by Niewiadoma and Èvita Music with around one kilometer to go, Realini continued to fight all the way to the line to eventually jump seven places in the General Classification.
Lucinda Brand climber her way to 8th overall after a run of form that, in her words, surprised her. The Dutch multi-discipline superstar is deserving of the the title of ‘MVP’ of Lidl-Trek this week after spending the before playing a vital role for Elisa Balsamo in the early bunch sprints before supporting both Gaia Realini and Shirin van Anrooij throughout the second part of the week.
On Stage 8, Brand headed into a large breakaway that ensured she was with the youthful Lidl-Trek duo for the final kilometers of the Col du Glandon and then helped pull the yellow jersey group with Realini to the foot of Alps d’Huez.
Shirin van Anrooij, who continues to the lead the UCI U23 World Tour, found herself in difficulty on the Glandon as the move of Vollering and Rooijakkers was made but the 22-year-old continued to fight bravely and, ultimately, finished 13th overall.
As a result of the incredible teamwork of not only these three riders but also Balsamo (third on the opening stage and fifth on Stage 2), Ellen van Dijk (sixth in the time trial), Lizzie Deignan, and Amanda Spratt, who unfortunately had to stop racing on Stage 7 as a result of a fracture in her hand sustained on Stage 1, Lidl-Trek took home the prize in the Team Classification.
Reaction from Lucinda Brand
ALPE D'HUEZ, FRANCE - AUGUST 18: Lucinda Brand of The Netherlands and Team Lidl - Trek competes in the chase group during the 3rd Tour de France Femmes 2024, Stage 8 a 149.9km stage from Le Grand-Bornand to Alpe d'Huez 1828m / #UCIWWT / on August 18, 2024 in Alpe d'Huez, France. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
I wanted to get them [Vollering and Rooijakkers] but they were a bit too far. It was good that I was able to bring them closer, and then it was just up to Gaia to see how far she could come. To be honest I didn’t know I had the legs that I’ve had over the whole week. In the beginning, I knew I would be good, but as good as this, I didn’t expect it at all. It’s nice to see what happens after all the effort we’re constantly putting in. It’s not easy, I went straight from the Giro to altitude and then to the Tour. Luckily, the Tour started at home. It’s nice to have the support at home that allows me to be away for so long, and the Team provides everything we need, so then you can do so well. I think there are still things Gaia can learn, but this has been a huge experience for her. We will see in the coming years what it will bring.
You always make nice plans in the bus, and mostly they don’t totally succeed, but I was able to follow when they attacked on the Glandon, and I ate my bars to be there in the descent and the valley.
