Impressive De Vries third in final stage and general classification UAE Tour Women

# Femke de Vries Shines with Third Place Finish at UAE Tour Women

In an impressive display of endurance and skill, Femke de Vries showcased her cycling capabilities by clinching third place in both the final stage and overall classification of the UAE Tour Women. The peloton embarked on a challenging 156-kilometer trek from Al Ain, culminating in a climactic ascent of Jebel Hafeet, a steep ten-kilometer climb averaging a seven percent gradient.

Throughout the beginning of the stage, the pace was slow, with multiple riders attempting solo breaks. However, harmony was restored before the grueling final climb as the group reformulated.

As the major ascent commenced, the competition intensified, and the peloton quickly fragmented. With just over four kilometers remaining to reach the summit, Italian rider Elisa Longo Borghini surged ahead. De Vries, maintaining a self-paced rhythm, fell behind but managed to secure third place after being surpassed by Monica Trinca Colonel.

This achievement marks De Vries’s inaugural WorldTour podium finish, and she expressed her elation following the race. “I’m incredibly happy with this result—I still can’t believe it,” de Vries stated. “Today everything fell into place. My teammates supported me perfectly, which meant I could start the final climb feeling fresh. I felt the team’s confidence in me, and that was hugely motivating. Maybe they believed in me even more than I did myself.”

Reflecting on her performance, she noted, “From the foot of Jebel Hafeet, I noticed I had good legs. I saw riders around me getting into trouble, while I was still feeling strong. It was special to be riding in that lead group of five. When Longo Borghini accelerated, I tried to follow, but the pace was extremely high. Trinca Colonel then joined me and later rode away. Third place was the maximum achievable for me.”

De Vries attributed her success to the unwavering support from her team and staff: “This result would never have been possible without their support. I’m extremely grateful to everyone. Over the past period, I’ve done everything I could to start the season in top form, and it’s great to see that being rewarded now. I’m more motivated than ever to go for a victory. I feel that it’s possible,” she concluded.

### Final Stage Results (UAE Tour Women)
1. Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) – 04:13:04
2. Monica Trinca Colonel (Liv AlUla Jayco) – +00:00:12
3. Femke de Vries (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:00:14

### Overall Classification
1. Elisa Longo Borghini – 13:06:32
2. Monica Trinca Colonel – +00:00:16
3. Femke de Vries – +00:00:17