In a thrilling showdown at Xorret de Catí, Niamh Fisher-Black of SD Worx showcased her climbing prowess, outclassing Gaia Realini of Lidl-Trek to seize victory in stage 3 of the Setmana Ciclista-Volta Comunitat Valenciana Fémines.
As the peloton navigates the challenging terrain of the Setmana Valenciana, each stage presents its unique set of obstacles and opportunities. Stage 3’s gruelling climb at Xorret de Catí tested the riders’ endurance and climbing abilities to the fullest, separating the contenders from the rest of the field.
The gruelling stage unfolded with a flurry of attacks, fragmenting the peloton early on, particularly after the Alto Collao ascent. A breakaway group of eight, including notable riders like Mischa Bredewold, Amber Kraak, and Maud Oudeman, established a lead, only to be reined in before the final climb, the Alto Xorret de Catí.
Amidst the punishing gradients of Xorret de Catí, Fisher-Black and Realini broke away, showcasing exceptional strength on the ascent. Despite Marlen Reusser’s effort to maintain pace, the duo pressed on, with Fisher-Black eventually asserting her dominance in the uphill sprint to claim the stage victory.
While Fisher-Black celebrated her triumph, Reusser fought valiantly to retain her race lead, crossing the line in fourth place. However, Kasia Niewiadoma’s third-place finish propelled her into second position overall, trailing Reusser by a mere eight seconds.
Reflecting on her performance, Realini expressed satisfaction with her effort, acknowledging the fierce competition and the support of her teammates, notably Amanda Spratt and Lauretta Hanson.
With the final stage in Valencia looming, the race remains tightly contested, promising another exciting conclusion to the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana.
For Fisher-Black, the victory at Xorret de Catí marks a significant achievement in her burgeoning career, underscoring her potential as a formidable force in the women’s peloton. The SD Worx rider’s ability to outmanoeuvre her rivals on the demanding ascent highlights her climbing prowess and tactical acumen.
Meanwhile, Realini’s impressive performance confirms her level as one of the most competitive climbers in the peloton. Despite narrowly missing out on the stage win, her tenacity and determination serve as a testament to her growing stature as a formidable contender in major races.
Looking ahead to the final stage in Valencia, the competition shows no signs of abating. With the overall classification finely poised, riders will vie for precious seconds in a bid to secure their positions atop the standings. As the race unfolds, expect more drama and excitement as the peloton tackles the final challenges of the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana.
2024 Setmana Ciclista Valenciana Stage 3 result
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