In the afternoon of the second day, a short time trial will take place. This 6.3-kilometer time trial will be held in the center of Rotterdam. While not necessarily suited to pure time trialists, it favors powerful riders and fast women. Technical skill is often crucial in short time trials, but that won't be a significant factor here.

“The power riders can enjoy the first three kilometers of the time trial, which are almost perfectly straight. Speeding along the Schiedamsedijk and Coolsingel, they will head towards the Hofplein roundabout,” writes the organization on their website.

“After the turn at Hofplein, the route returns over the same roads to the Erasmus Bridge. This marks the start of a series of bridges in the final three kilometers. The route includes the Spoorweghavenbrug, Binnenhavenbrug, Koninginnebrug, and Willemsbrug. In the final kilometer, riders will race in a straight line alongside the Nieuwe Maas River to the finish at Boompjes.”

Demi Vollering recently shared her thoughts on the time trial. “I think it will be tough,” she told WielerFlits. “For me, it’s a bit challenging. It’s more of a sprinter’s thing because it’s so short and powerful. But I’m going to enjoy it immensely.”

As for Lorena Wiebes? “I’ll be giving it my all to achieve the larger goal: losing as little time as possible and retaining the yellow jersey. Whether the yellow jersey is a bigger goal than a stage win? They’re somewhat intertwined because winning the first two stages would give you the yellow jersey,” she explained about the first stages.