Venezuelan rider Lilibeth Chacón claimed a commanding victory in the fifth stage of the Vuelta a Colombia Femenina 2024, seizing control of the general classification with a strong performance on the mountainous route from Valledupar to Pueblo Bello.
The 121.2-kilometre stage saw Chacón cross the finish line in 3 hours, 30 minutes, and 26 seconds, leaving her rivals behind on the final climb. Canadian rider Nadia Gontova came in second, trailing by over two minutes, while Spain’s Ariana Gilabert secured third place, finishing 2:13 minutes down.
The day’s stage featured an early breakaway of 13 riders, including the likes of Milena Salcedo, Kaitlyn Rauwerda, and Andrea Álzate. However, the peloton worked steadily to reel them back in, and the escapees were ultimately caught as the race approached the final climb.
Chacón, who had already demonstrated her climbing abilities in previous editions of the race, used the uphill finish to her advantage, pulling away from the pack with ease. Her performance not only earned her the stage win but also the leader’s jersey, displacing Ecuadorian rider Esther Galarza, who dropped to third in the general classification, 3:29 behind Chacón.
Nadia Gontova moved up to second place overall, 2:11 behind Chacón. The best Colombian on the day was Stefania Sánchez, who finished fourth, 3:27 behind the stage winner.
The Vuelta a Colombia Femenina will conclude with a 28-kilometre individual time trial around Valledupar, where Chacón will be looking to secure her third overall title, having previously won in 2021 and 2023. The race promises a thrilling finish as the riders battle for the final podium positions on the last day of competition.
2024 Vuelta Colombia Stage 5 result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Anderson Bonilla
