Decroix said the team will focus on its own strengths rather than its rivals.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going into this stage with a lot of confidence. We have to race to our strengths, and then we\u2019ll see where it takes us,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Is today the day for Vollering?<\/p>\n
Teammate Franziska Koch said something similar. The German said Vollering has already shown her form throughout the race. And it\u2019s true\u2013the European champ and former Tour winner looks pretty darn good at all the right moments.<\/p>\n
\u201cDemi has already shown how strong she is during this Tour, so this is definitely a stage to look forward to,\u201d Koch said. \u201cWe don\u2019t feel any pressure. We can go into it relaxed because we know our strengths. We know how good we are, and we\u2019ve had this plan for several weeks. Demi has been working toward it even longer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked what fans should expect on the iconic climb, Koch simply said<\/a>:<\/p>\n \u201cA big show! It\u2019s going to be a very tough climb.\u201d<\/p>\n For the Canucks, all eyes will be on Lidl-Trek\u2019s Isabella Holmgren. The Oro-Medonte, Ont., rider sits seventh overall, and Friday will be a great opportunity to show off her climbing legs. Victoria\u2019s Sarah Van Dam went all in yesterday<\/a>, so she may not have another big day in her legs, but the Visma-Lease a Bike rider has already shown she\u2019s got what it takes in the hills at the Tour de Suisse. The same can be said for national time trial champion Nadia Gontova of Richmond, B.C. The Liv AlUla Jayco rider was impressive on the climbs at the Giro d\u2019Italia.<\/p>\n
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