Uneken emerged victorious after a crash either brought down or hampered all but six of the peloton towards the end of the 125.9 kilometres circuit from Stramproy to Weert.

The SD Worx rider crossed the line in 2 hours 52min 41sec, with Norway's Susanne Andersen of DSM in second and her Italian team mate Pfeiffer Georgi third.

Olympic time trial silver medallist Reusser was among those hindered by the chaos and drama that unfolded when a touch of wheels 5km from the finish sent the majority of the chasing pack crashing to the floor.

"It was really hectic, there was not really one breakaway going, just this bigger one one time and then it was really a lead out and hectic," said Reusser.

"Everybody wanted to be at the front to not crash and yet everybody crashed, yeah it’s hectic.

"I was a bit later than the crash so I just went off my bike a little bit. 

"I touched the ground a little bit but I didn’t really crash and I was one of the first to chase back."

Canyon-SRAM were the team worst affected by the crash and confirmed in a statement that one of its riders, Poland's Kasia Niewiadoma, had required additional medical attention.

"It was our plan to attack with 5km to go, that's why we were in front with so many of us," said Uneken. 

"Suddenly there was a crash, it happened in a split second. 

"I'm happy that I can finish it off. 

"I hope everyone is OK." 

The race, part of the Women's WorldTour, is due to continue with the fourth stage tomorrow, where riders are set to tackle a 148.9km route from Geleen to Sweikhuizen.