Nearly a month to the day after her horror crash at the Olympic Games, which left her hospitalised for several days, Annemiek van Vleuten stormed to victory in her first race back.
Van Vleuten crashed heavily on the final descent of the Rio 2016 road race, leaving her with three spinal fractures, severe concussion and an enforced stay in a local hospital.
But the 33-year-old has bounced back to winning ways by dominating the 4.3km prologue at the start of the Lotto Belgium Tour to win by a full seven seconds.
It's fair to say her impressive win went down well with cycling fans, who were left stunned by her horrific accident in Rio.
The win is Van Vleuten's fourth against the clock this season, including the Dutch National Championships time trial in June.
Van Vleuten takes a seven second lead into the final three stages of the race, which features a finish in Geraardsbergen on the final day.
-
-
Anna van der Breggen launches signature clothing collection
Double world champion adds new kit range to her list of projects in her final year as a pro
By Simon Smythe •
-
Specialized Expert Alloy Shallow bend road handlebar reviewed
Go-to handlebars if you like a curly drop
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan •
-
'It’s been a nice run, but it’s time': Richie Porte says 2021 edition was his final Tour de France
The Australian leads his national team into the Olympic Games road race on Saturday
By Richard Windsor •
-
Fabio Jakobsen takes his first win after life-threatening crash
The Dutch sprinter is back on the top step after his crash with Dylan Groenewegen one year ago
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Tour of Britain 2021 route: Team time trial and Great Orme finish unveiled
This year's race will take the peloton from Cornwall, through Wales, before finishing in Scotland
By Richard Windsor •
-
Ineos Grenadiers end partnership with Castelli in favour of new clothing sponsor
After five successful seasons, the British racing outfit is now parting ways with its Italian clothing partner
By Stefan Abram •
-
From Dulwich Park to Paris: The story of Fred Wright's debut Tour de France
The 22-year-old Brit, 'a child of the Herne Hill community', was the youngest rider in this year's race
By Jonny Long •
-
Health issues could force Dave Brailsford to step down as Ineos Grenadiers boss
The 57-year-old has been treated for cancer and heart issues over the past couple of years
By Jonny Long •
-
Mark Cavendish rues leaving Mørkøv's wheel on Champs-Élysées, but will he ride another Tour de France?
Cavendish remains on 34 wins but is all smiles as he wins green jersey in incredible comeback
By Jonny Long •
-
Tour de France 2021 team ratings: how did each team perform?
We rate the performances of each of the teams in the 108th editon of the Tour de France
By Stephen Puddicombe •
