The record fits in a few lines. Demi Vollering attacked alone with 38 km to go. Caught with 15 km left. A fresh move at 10 km, alongside Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney. A sprint on the final rise, won by the Dutchwoman. Elisa Longo Borghini four seconds back, with Marlen Reusser in the chasing group.
Myriam read the race back on RTBF, the Belgian broadcaster, folder on her knees.
Firstly, the breakaway being caught. That is not a failure, it is a line in the intermediate classification. Secondly, the second attack. The rulebook does not forbid attacking again, it forbids pushing. Nobody pushed. Thirdly, the four seconds. I note them, they exist. Fourthly, after the line, the runner-up congratulated the winner. The rulebook does not provide for anything after the line. I note it regardless. Compliant.
The words spoken behind the finish line by Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, reported by DirectVelo, were these: “You are the best rider in the world and you deserve this jersey.” Myriam finds no article that applies. She has copied them into the margin, where she keeps the things that do not belong in the column.
Demi Vollering now wears the rainbow jersey, on top of her European title. Two jerseys, one rider. Myriam checked which one the rulebook says should be worn. It does provide for that.
It’s true, we checked: DH Les Sports+.
