Cyclist prepares to defend her title

CYCLING This summer's Tour de France Femmes will be only the fourth edition since its relaunch but it feels like the race already boasts an all-time classic thanks to Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.

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No-one who watched her take the biggest win of her career 12 months ago will forget the drama.

Niewiadoma-Phinney started the stage to Alpe d'Huez with an advantage of one minute 15 seconds over pre-race favourite Demi Vollering, but the Dutchwoman attacked on the Col du Glandon, building a lead of over a minute on her way to the stage win.

Behind, Niewiadoma-Phinney wrestled her bike up the Alpe, crossing the line and collapsing exhausted, unaware if she had done enough.