The Movistar rider put aside jet lag to take victory with a stinging attack in the final 10 kilometre to blow by race leader Audrey Cordon-Ragot and collect the win with ease.
“I was so tired and jet-lagged, I couldn’t sleep much during the last two days, but with my team working so hard, I really had to do my best to finish it off,” Van Vleuten said.
“More than a win by me, it’s more of an amazing victory from the whole Movistar Team.
“The girls showed what we’re made of, and I’m so proud of their professional, committed work today.
“We stayed composed after that dangerous breakaway went at Jaizkibel, we came back together after the climb and did things right to bring them to a reachable distance.”
The win moved Van Vleuten back to the top of the women’s WorldTour rankings.
She leads compatriot Anna Van der Breggen (Team SD Worx), 3821 points to 3557 points after Van der Breggen skipped the race following the Olympic Games.
