'She panics a lot’ – Marlen Reusser on Demi Vollering after Tour de Suisse games

Reusser expressed frustration when Vollering failed to cooperate in chasing down Niewiadoma, despite Reusser's demands for assistance during the crucial moment of the race.

"I need to think about how to formulate this well... I would say that Demi doesn't really take much responsibility. I think she panics a lot. If she acts a bit more normally in the race, we don't end up in dangerous situations," Reusser told Cycling Pro Net after the stage.

The rivalry between Reusser and Vollering has intensified throughout the race, with both riders closely watching each other's moves, evident in the opening stage. This tactical stalemate created the perfect opportunity for Niewiadoma to attack in the closing kilometres and gain valuable time in the general classification.

Reusser, who maintains her lead in the race by 4” over Vollering, admitted the situation made controlling the race difficult.

"I try to act as normally as possible during the race, but it's not always easy. It's interesting for the race that Niewiadoma has come a lot closer today, but I think if it had been up to Demi, it would have become even more interesting," Reusser added.

When Niewiadoma made her move, Reusser attempted to organise a chase with Vollering, but the FDJ-Suez rider's contribution appeared half-hearted according to observers.

The incident has added another layer of tension to what a fiercely contested Tour de Suisse it has already been, with Reusser's comments likely to fuel the rivalry further as the race heads toward its conclusion.