Tomorrow’s Stage 4 of the Vuelta Femenina appears to set the stage for the most obvious showdown of this year’s race for some of the world’s top sprinters. The 112-kilometre journey from Molina de Aragón to Zaragoza looks, on paper, to be tailor-made for fast finishers like Charlotte Kool, Marianne Vos, and Blanka Vas. But a deeper dive into the route and weather conditions suggests we may see the peloton fractured by more than just raw speed.
Route Analysis
The profile for Stage 4 is predominantly downhill, which would normally encourage a fast, straightforward sprint. However, the gentle descent through Spain’s scenic heartlands is deceptively tranquil. The route winds through open farmlands, which are notorious for being susceptible to crosswinds. Historically, stages like this have transformed from expected mass sprints into tactical battles as teams attempt to create echelons and split the race.
If any team wants to inflict losses on rivals, they can do it here. Famously Demi Vollering was caught short on a similar stage last year and lost too much time to claw back later on.
Key Sprinters to Watch
- Charlotte Kool: As one of the formidable top-tier sprinters in the peloton, Kool will be looking to dominate the flat finish. Her explosive speed makes her a prime candidate for her first victory of the 2024 season if it comes down to a bunch sprint.
- Marianne Vos: A veteran with an uncanny knack for positioning, Vos’s experience could be crucial in navigating potential crosswinds.
- Blanka Vas: Typically more at home in punchier, rolling stages, Vas’s power could see her well-placed in a reduced sprint if echelons do indeed form.
- Maggie Coles-Lyster and Georgia Baker: Both riders have shown they can compete at the highest level, and tomorrow provides an opportunity to upset the established trio of favourites.
Weather Conditions and Tactical Considerations
Current forecasts predict winds that could reach up to 30 km/h around the early-midway points of the stage. This is the critical sector where the route is most exposed, and the right combination of wind direction and team tactics could lead to significant splits in the peloton. Particularly around the 28-45km mark and then again between 64-72km.
Teams with strong classics specialists and those well-versed in echelon formation will likely try to push the pace here, looking to isolate sprinters who are less comfortable in crosswinds. This strategic point might not just shape the stage, but could also have implications for the general classification, particularly if any of the top contenders find themselves caught out.
While the stage is ostensibly set for a sprint finish, the real drama could unfold around the 60-kilometre mark where the wind exposure reaches its peak. Watch for teams like Team SD Worx, Movistar, and Trek-Segafredo to take the initiative, potentially turning what looks like a predictable sprint stage into a thrilling, tactical affair.
If the winds remain moderate and the peloton intact, expect a high-speed contest among the top sprinters. However, if the crosswinds do their damage, the stage could be a showcase of strength, teamwork, and have real lasting impacts on the ongoing GC battle.
