Cecile Uttrup Ludwig gives emotional interview after fourth-place finish at La Course
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Updated 17/07/2018 at 15:28 GMT
Annemiek van Vleuten retained La Course title after a thrilling finish - but despite pipping her Dutch compatriot Anna van der Breggen by one second, it was an emotional Cecile Uttrup Ludwig who stole the show with an emotional post-race interview.
Cecile Uttrup Ludwig broke down in tears after finishing fourth at La Course
Image credit: Getty Images
The Cervelo-Bigla rider finished fourth overall and helped her team-mate Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio to third place.
"We just did a perfect job as a team,” a teary-eyed Uttrup Ludwig told reporters. “After 10 hot days in the Giro, having one rest day, driving the whole night, arriving in the middle of the night, looking at the course, and then today having the best day of my life!
"We just got on the podium and I couldn't be better! I'm so happy! I was absolutely amazed, I will remember this day for the rest of my life. Having people cheer for you on the climb, and I saw so many Danish flags, banners and people yelling my name. Even French people yelling my name is so crazy!
"I love this sport, and it's so amazing! I'm so happy. A month ago, I was really riding like s***. I had an infection in my wisdom tooth, and we pulled it out. Ever since it got pulled out, it got better day by day.
"So if you ever have a problem with bad legs, pull your wisdom tooth out! It's crazy how such a little tooth can affect your performance. You feel like you've been hit by a truck, but try to deal with the pain.
"I had coach screaming in my ear to deal with the pain! We just showed how good women cycling is. People out there should watch more women's cycling, please! What a perfect day. For sure, I'm going to enjoy chocolate, champagne, pizza. Vacation is coming!"
The 22-year-old opened up proceedings on the Col de Romme, the penultimate climb, attacking solo with 33km to go.
The Dane began the final climb of Colombiere with a lead of over a minute, but she was eventually caught by an elite trio 2.5 km from the top, spearheaded by Boels-Domans’s Van der Breggen.
But Van Vleuten always had her compatriot in sight, despite a 10-second gap, which she ate away at on the descent into Le Grand Bornand.
And the Dutchwoman followed up on her Giro Rosa victory by winning the one-day event for the second year in a row, crossing the line first just hours before the men’s Tour de France stage 10 finish.
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