Beekhuis attacked in the fast opening phase. Initially, she did not get away, but the 26-year-old Dutchwoman went on the attack again with three other riders. They got a two-and-a-half-minute lead, but the group was caught at the first categorized climb of the day.

It continued to rain attacks in the Welsh hills, and Markus broke away from the peloton in an elite group of ten riders. A high-speed duel ensued between the sprinters’ teams and the ten leaders, but the reduced peloton managed to come back.

Five kilometres from the finish, Grace Brown and two other riders broke away from the leaders. Markus could not close the gap but won the sprint from the chasing group. Beekhuis was invited to the podium afterward to collect the combativity prize.

“I am satisfied with today’s result”, 27-year-old Markus said. “Especially after yesterday’s effort. Of course it is a pity that I didn’t manage to get a podium place, but pride prevails.”

Beekhuis was happy with her prize. “The prize for most combative rider comes as a pleasant surprise. There was an attack from the first kilometre, and I immediately took the initiative. We were immediately caught and an attempt by Romy Kasper also failed. Then I saw an opportunity when everyone was hesitant and a few riders joined. I am tired but satisfied. It’s really nice to ride offensively.”