Photo Credit: Vuelta a Burgos
It was another hot and hilly day out for the peloton this afternoon as they took on stage three of Vuelta a Burgos Feminas and its punchy uphill finale. The racing reflected the hot nature as the riders sped through the countryside, well ahead of the fastest time schedule and despite several attempts, no break was able to get a gap of over 30 seconds.
Heading onto the penultimate climb with around 30 kilometres to go the team rode well as a group, helping to position Juliette Labous, Liane Lippert and Floortje Mackaij as the gradients started to bite. With the kilometres of the climb ticking by, the Team DSM trio held their position as the bunch began to thin down dramatically, but approaching the summit a stinging acceleration saw it split even more with Labous and Lippert making it over the top in a group of eight.
Despite their best efforts, the cooperation in the group wasn’t great and more riders returned, which ultimately allowed for the race winning move to go as Garcia and Muzic attacked. All eyes on the bunch were on those with fast finishers and the gap ballooned out to over 30 seconds. Mackaij came to the front to assist in the chase but those ahead held on. In the peloton, Lippert climbed brilliantly on the hill top finish and produced a punchy sprint to take third place, with teammate Labous not far behind in seventh as well. Tomorrow sees the bunch take on the summit finish at Lagunas de Neila.