Ashleigh moves to second in the overall classification

The fifth stage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift again was a spectacular one again. Ricarda Bauernfeind of the Canyon-SRAM team attacked in the final and made it all the way to the line to win the stage. Ashleigh Moolman Pasio finished in eighth position.

Justine Ghekiere tried to be in the breakaway before in this Tour and today she managed to do so. The Belgian rider was happy with her legs.

“It was super hard in the beginning and I really had to go over my limit but I wanted to be in that breakaway,” said Justine. “Everyone was on the limit, but we were still able to take the lead. When we were caught, there were more climbs and I had to give everything to survive so that I could help Ashleigh. I was able to do that with feeds, for example. I also did some pacing. I am satisfied and really felt 'part of the team'. A Tour de France has such a high level. Nobody misses an opportunity. Everyone is very strong but I'm really happy that the plan worked out today.”

Ashleigh rode to another top ten place today, her fourth in five stages showing she is focused. Picking up two bonus seconds helped her move up to second place overall.

“It was an intense day in the peloton, said Ashleigh. It was really full gas from the start and there was no time for chit chatting. Canyon-SRAM brought back the break with Justine. She was on fire and back to her old self again. It was great to have her in the final with feeding and positioning. I feel good and ready for more. Upwards and onwards.”

Stage 6 is the last opportunity for the sprinters. The peloton races from Albi to Blagnac before the Tourmalet looms on the horizon on Saturday and the Tour de France ends with a time trial in Pau on Sunday.