Ecuador’s Esther Galarza stormed to victory in the third stage of the Vuelta a Colombia Femenina 2024, seizing the leader’s jersey after a gruelling uphill finish. The 108-kilometre stage from Barranquilla to Minca Pozo Azul featured over 90 kilometres of flat terrain before the decisive final climb-a first-category ascent that would determine the day’s outcome.
The race began with a few early attacks on the flat section, but the peloton, keeping a steady pace, allowed these breakaways to happen while focusing on the final climb. Once the flat roads gave way to the mountain, the peloton quickly thinned out, with the main contenders moving to the front.
Galarza launched a decisive attack on the climb, leaving her rivals behind. Despite a late surge from Colombia’s Estefanía Herrera, who chased hard to bridge the gap, Galarza held on to take the win. “In Ecuador, they don’t support us,” Galarza remarked bluntly after her victory, pointing out the challenges she’s faced in her career. “They make you waste time, money, and then they want to take all the glory and credit. That’s not how things work.”
Herrera, who finished just seconds behind Galarza, was unable to overhaul the Ecuadorian’s lead but managed to secure second place on the stage. Venezuela’s Lilibeth Chacón, Galarza’s teammate, crossed the line in third, 16 seconds adrift.
Galarza’s victory was tinged with frustration towards her home country’s sporting authorities. She didn’t mince words when asked about the lack of support from Ecuador: “I don’t owe anything to Ecuador. That’s why I dedicate this victory to myself, because the people who have supported me are so few I can count them on one hand.”
With this win, Galarza moved to the top of the general classification, now leading by four seconds over Herrera. Chacón sits 22 seconds behind in third place, as the race heads into its fourth stage,a 134-kilometre ride from Ciénaga to Bosconia. The battle for the overall title is expected to intensify with only a few days remaining until the race concludes in Valledupar on Sunday.
2024 Vuelta a Colombia Stage 3 result
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