Usoa Ostolaza of Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi emerged victorious in the Spanish women’s road race championship, toppling the long-standing reign of Mavi García in an exhilarating finale at San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
The race witnessed a dramatic turn of events in the closing kilometres. Ostolaza’s teammate, Yurani Blanco, held a minute’s lead over a chasing group powered by García, who was on the hunt for her fifth consecutive title. However, with 1.5km to go, García and Ostolaza managed to catch Blanco. They were soon joined by Sara Martín of Movistar, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
In the final stretch, Ostolaza surged ahead, securing the title five seconds ahead of Blanco. García narrowly edged out Martín to take bronze. “The truth is I can’t believe it,” Ostolaza admitted. “This is a victory for all the team because without them it wouldn’t have been possible. Often, the head is the most important element. You have to believe and then give it everything you have. My legs responded.”
Ostolaza praised her team’s efforts, attributing her success to their strategy. “We have a good team and that gave us an advantage. We played our cards very well. Thanks to Yurani’s break, I had everything in my favour. I came to the finale with strength left and I was able to win.”
The race, spanning 116.8 kilometres, started and ended in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. García initiated a decisive attack in the final kilometres, but Ostolaza, along with Blanco, managed to close the gap. With 500 metres to go, Ostolaza joined García, and in the last 300 metres, she accelerated, leaving García unable to keep pace.
In addition to Ostolaza’s triumph, Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi celebrated another victory with Eneritz Vadillo clinching the under-23 road race title. Competing alongside the elite riders, Vadillo finished eighth overall and first in her category. Paula Blasi and Marina Garau completed the podium in the under-23 race.
The Spanish Championships showcased the depth of talent within the Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi team, marking a significant day for the squad. Ostolaza’s win not only signifies a new champion but also highlights the strategic teamwork that propelled her to victory.
2024 Spanish National Road Race Championship Women result
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