A tough third stage at Setmana Ciclista – Volta Comunitat Valenciana Fèmines saw Soraya Paladin forced to hand over the leader’s jersey to the third stage winner Annemiek van Vleuten (MOV). CANYON//SRAM Racing tried its best to limit the gap but the Dutch rider crossed the line with more than one minute advantage on the mountain-top finish.
“It was a pleasure to wear the leader’s jersey. I knew from the start that today was going to be a really hard day,” admitted Soraya.
“We did everything to keep the jersey in our team. (Sarah) Roy did an amazing job at the beginning of the race, and Neve helped me to stay with the first group but I had to say that I was feeling really tired. Alena and Pauliena worked hard to help Kasia and Elise to achieve the best result. We gave everything so we cannot be disappointed with the team’s effort.”
Teammates Kasia and Elise are now seventh and eighth on the general classification ahead of tomorrow’s final stage.
“Tomorrow is another day and we are ready to shine and fight for the stage win and to keep Kasia’s sprint jersey,” said Soraya.
The final stage of Setmana Ciclista – Volta Comunitat Valenciana Fèmines can be followed on Twitter with #VoltaCVFemines22. The stage is broadcast live on Á Punt media.
Stage 4 | 20 February | Sagunt – Valencia | 118km | 12:00-15:20CET | Broadcast 14:00-15:30CET.