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Giro d’Italia 2024: Stage 4 Preview – Sprint Showdown in Andora

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

Stage 4 of the 2024 Giro d’Italia unfolds over 190 km from Acqui Terme to Andora, tracing the Ligurian coast with a setup reminiscent of Milan-Sanremo. The stage promises a blend of scenic routes and strategic sprint opportunities, making it a day for the fast finishers to shine.

Route Analysis

The stage profile is predominantly flat, though it incorporates the Colle Melogno—an 8.8 km climb with a 4.3% average gradient—in the central section. Following the ascent, a lengthy descent leads to Savona, after which the route mirrors the familiar paths of Milan-Sanremo towards Andora. This transition introduces the potential for both strategic play and a high-speed pursuit towards the finish.

Final Kilometres

The concluding segment of the stage is mostly downhill after cresting Capo Mele. The riders will navigate mild bends before hitting the urban stretches of Andora. The final 800 metres are dead straight and perfectly flat, concluding on 8m wide tarmac that sets the stage for a dramatic sprint.

Contenders

  • Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek): With his extraordinary power and less taxing run-in to the finish, Milan is a top favourite. He narrowly missed out in the previous sprint and will be keen to capitalise on a route that suits his strengths better.
  • Tim Merlier (Soudal–Quick-Step): Fresh off a win on Stage 3, Merlier’s confidence and ability to navigate chaotic sprints make him a strong contender yet again.
  • Caleb Ewan (Jayco-Alula) and Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck): Both sprinters are looking for redemption after underperforming in Stage 3 and could find this less challenging parcours more to their liking.
  • Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike): Despite a modest debut in Grand Tour sprints, Kooij’s proven quality in smaller races could see him improve on his initial outing.
  • Ethan Vernon (Israel-Premier Tech) and Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty): Both had strong showings in the first sprint and will be ones to watch if the sprint unfolds as expected.

Tactical Insights

Teams with sprinters capable of handling short climbs will likely control the pace up the Colle Melogno to keep their leaders well-positioned. The descent and flat run to the finish will be crucial for setting up the sprint trains, with positioning in the final kilometres paramount to success.

This stage offers a classic sprint setup with a twist, courtesy of the coastal route and the short climbs that could shake up the sprinters’ rhythm. It’s a critical opportunity for sprinters to claim a stage win before the race hits more challenging terrain.

Andora

Prediction

The straight and flat finish in Andora is tailor-made for sprinters like Jonathan Milan, who can leverage his raw sprinting power in a drag race to the line. Expect Milan to edge out his rivals in what promises to be a fiercely contested sprint finish.

Stage 4 of the Giro d’Italia is set to be a spectacular affair, combining the beauty of the Ligurian coastline with the thrill of high-speed, tactical sprinting.

Merlier masters sprint finish to win Stage 3 of the Giro d’Italia

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step clinched victory in a riveting sprint finish in Stage 3 of the Giro d’Italia, which spanned 166km from Novara to Fossano. In a fiercely contested finale, Merlier outpaced Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek and Biniam Girmay of Intermarché-Wanty to secure the win, while UAE Team Emirates’ Tadej Pogacar retained the Maglia Rosa, extending his lead in the overall standings.

The stage unfolded with high drama as a late attack in the final kilometres nearly reshaped the day’s results. Pogacar, along with Geraint Thomas of Ineos Grenadiers and Mikkel Honoré of EF Education-EasyPost, made a bold move on the last climb, distancing themselves from the peloton. The trio was reeled in just 300 metres from the finish line, setting the stage for the sprinters to battle it out in a chaotic rush to the finish.

Merlier, overcoming the challenges of the final hill where he found himself struggling, credited his teammate Julian Alaphilippe for crucial support that helped him regain position for the sprint. “This is my hardest victory so far,” Merlier said shortly after the race. “It was a really tough final. Julian was there for me when I was in a difficult situation on the last hill. The team’s effort was tremendous.”

The Belgian sprinter also paid tribute to the late Wouter Weylandt, dedicating his victory to the former professional cyclist who tragically passed away during the Giro in 2011. “I remember it as if it happened yesterday,” Merlier reflected. “I dedicated my first Giro stage win to him and I did it again today. His best friend Iljo Keisse is one of our sports directors here. He’s not forgotten.”

Meanwhile, Pogacar, who extended his overall lead by taking bonus seconds during an intermediate sprint earlier in the stage, shared his thoughts on the unexpected developments in the finale. “It was a really good attack by Mikkel Honoré,” Pogacar explained. “I didn’t expect it. I didn’t attack; I just followed and found myself in the leading group in the last 3km. It was a good effort by G and Mikkel. I was just stretching the legs at the front.”

Despite the excitement and potential for a breakaway victory, Pogacar acknowledged the nature of the stage, emphasising the sprinters’ right to contest the finish. “It was a sprinters’ day,” he said. “To gain time in the intermediate sprint was also not my intention, but I had to react when I saw Ineos moving. It’s always better if I take one second on Thomas than the other way round.”

2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 3 result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

All photo credits: LaPresse

Itzulia Women 2024 Race Preview

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
Vollering-Reusser-Itzulia-Women-2023

Itzulia Women 2024 History

Itzulia Women comes straight off the back of the Vuelta Femenina and covers the ground that the old Emakumeen Bira used to. The Basque Country has pretty much always had a major women’s tour and the current incarnation is the Itzulia Women. It went straight into the Women’s WorldTour calendar when it came into inception in 2022 and has delivered some great racing already. It’s almost an expanded version of the Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa that was already in existence on either side of the Covid calendar changes.

2022’s first edition saw Demi Vollering absolutely dominate the race, winning 3 stages and the GC. She looked on course to repeat that at the 2023 Itzulia Women where she won the first 2 stages to effectively take the first-ever 5 stages of the race before seeing teammate Marlen Reusser win on the final stage. Reusser smashed that stage, finishing 2 and a half minutes ahead of the chasers who had no answer. Demi herself finished 2nd place on the stage and the GC to gap an impressive result for SD Worx.

Previous Winners

2023
Marlen Reusser
2022
Demi Vollering
2021
Not held

Itzulia Women 2024 Stage Profiles

Stage 1

2024_Itzulia_Women_Stage_1_Profile

Stage 2

2024_Itzulia_Women_Stage_2_Profile

Stage 3

2024_Itzulia_Women_Stage_3_Profile

TV Coverage

Friday 10th May – Sunday 12th May 2024

Live on Eurosport/Discovery+ across Europe

Stage 1: 11:30-13:00
Stage 2: 11:30-13:00
Stage 3: 11:30-13:00

All times in BST

Twitter: #ItzuliaWomen

Startlist: FirstCycling

Itzulia Women 2024 Contenders

SD Worx will be looking to increase their dominance of this race to a 3rd year. So far, over the 2 editions, no other team has had a look in. Not only has the team won the GC twice but also secured all 6 available stages (5 Demi, 1 Marlen). With that in mind, it will be on Marlen Reusser and Demi Vollering to see if they can win again this year. Reusser was impressive in being able to just ghost away last year but her run-in has been a bit more complicated thanks to her crash at Flanders this season. I’m expecting Demi Vollering to walk this if she wants to, especially with the confidence of winning the Vuelta Femenina last weekend. If the team does want to share the love then we might see Niamh Fisher-Black get an opportunity for a win and if a larger group is heading to the finish together then it will be one for Blanka Vas to contest instead.

Lidl-Trek will see some of its GC leadership take some time off from this one – Longo Borghini will have a well-deserved rest and Gaia Realini can recover from her mild concussion. That means Amanda Spratt will get a shot, with the Aussie having a particularly strong record in the Basque Country over the years. She had a solid Vuelta, finishing 18th in GC whilst working for others and will get her first leadership shot since the Tour Down Under. Shirin van Anrooij will be some more than useful support after the best Spring of her young road career. She was 2nd in GC at the Vuelta a Burgos last year and this could be another one of those races for her.

The startlist is probably quite fluid for Canyon SRAM after the illness that went around the team before and during the Vuelta Femenina. Kasia Niewadoma managed a few days before being noticeably off during the first uphill finish of the race. Understandable given she’d barely looked at her bike between the Ardennes and Spain because of the bug. Neve Bradbury was unable to even start the race, such was her feeling in the 48 hours leading up to the team time trial. By rights and at 100% both would be very strong options here. Ricarda Bauernfeind managed to make it to the end of the Vuelta Femenina, finishing 6th in GC. A great result for the German given the reduced numbers riding in support. She might get the chance to double down on that form. Elise Chabbey is set to be back after missing the Vuelta too. She was 4th in the last race of the Spring at Liege-Bastogne-Liege and was 7th in the earlier Spanish stage race of Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. If others are going for the GC, the Swiss rider usually pivots to chasing the QoM jersey.

Juliette Labous
Juliette Labous

Juliette Labous had a good Vuelta Femenina, finishing 4th overall and not too far away from a podium spot. The French rider was climbing well and took 4 top-10 stage results along the way. She finished 4th as well back at Setmana Ciclista Valenciana earlier this year, so probably 4th is on the cards here at Itzulia Women too. Her top-10s in the Ardennes show she has some of the all-round climbing needed for the Basuqe Country as well. Teammate Eleonora Ciabocco might be in the hunt too for a good stage result, she took a 7th on Stage 3 at the Vuelta and there are a couple of stages which might suit her.

FDJ-Suez is feeling confident about the chances of Evita Muzic after the French rider took her first Women’s WorldTour win since 2020 and her first win at all levels since 2022 at the Vuelta last week. She’s always been able to do steep climbs like we’ll find at Itzulia and with added confidence she has a podium shot this year. Teammate Marta Cavalli will always be in the conversation as well, although she did get pulled from the Vuelta Femenina after a few stages because she was feeling less than 100%. Even if that has now cleared up, it’s not ideal preparation. We may also see something from Jade Wiel too. Often domestiquing, she took a pair of good results at Morbihan at the weekend – finishing 3rd at La Classique and 4th at the Grand Prix.

Pauliena Rooijakkers often turns it on for Spain Month and the Dutch rider certainly looks like doing it again this year. She was 2nd in the 2022 edition of Itzulia Women and looked impressive at the Vuelta Femenina. She finished 9th in GC which rather hid some of the results and attacks she made during the stages. She took 4 top-10 results, including 4th on the final day queen stage. Working in tandem with Yara Kastelijn, she had the freedom to go push things and stretch out the bunch. Here she won’t have that but is very much in form.

Mavi Garcia
Mavi Garcia

Things really didn’t play out well for Mavi Garcia at the Vuelta Femenina. The Spanish national champion finished 20th in GC in the end but lost time whenever the bunch split in the wind and worryingly, whenever it went uphill too. She dropped very early on the final stage and almost looked like another potential victim of the Ardennes illness bug. Whilst Mavi suffered, teammate Ingvild Gaskjenn delivered some great results. The Norwegian took a trio of top-10 stage results and her all-round abilities showed as she took 14th in GC by the end. That should put her in contention for a great stage result here. There is also Ella Wyllie who won the youth jersey and finished 12th in GC at the 2023 Itzulia Women whilst racing for Lifeplus-Wahoo. She’s been quiet so far in the 2024 European season but we may see more of her in Spain Month.

Despite being a Canadian, Olivia Baril is actually a local of the Basque Country. She was 4th in GC at last year’s race and Spain Month is certainly when she comes alive each year. She has won the GP Eibar for the last 2 seasons and will fancy her chances of a stage win here. Her best at the Vuelta Femenina was 3rd on Stage 3 behind Vos and Kool in the sprint. Teammate Arlenis Sierra is back after no races in a month and the Cuban is always a threat when the stages have been designed like this. One of the fastest finishers who is able to climb, it will be up to the likes of Vollering to make sure she has been well and truly dropped whilst going uphill. Claire Steels is another adopted Spanish rider, albeit in Mallorca rather than the Basque Country, and has shown in previous seasons that she’s a Spain Month specialist as well. She is still feeling her way back from fractured vertebrae at the UAE Tour Women but might be back to full form again now.

Constantly up there at the Vuelta Femenina was Thalita de Jong who seems to be climbing better than she ever has done before. She took 16th overall with some fairly consistent finishes in the 10th-20th bracket. She’s been on fire since the start of the year, pitching top-10s at WWT races and coming very close to wins elsewhere. She can sneak into the top-10 again here and continue her strong contract year.

Ane Santesteban Women Pro Almeria 2024
Ane Santesteban

Another rider struck down by the Ardennes illness is Ane Santesteban of Laboral Kutxa. The key ride for the Basque team, she will hopefully be back in time for their home race at Itzula Women. Before getting ill, Santesteban had been 10th at Fleche Wallonne and ideally placed for a top-10 at the Vuelta. Her only edition here, she was 5th on the first stage and then subsequently didn’t start the following day due to a non-Covid illness back then.

Ceratizit WNT has a lot of flexible options this time out. Cédrine Kerbaol is probably their best shout for a GC placing after 5th at GP de Chambéry and 16th in Liege Bastogne Liege Femmes. She’s the most likely to go and do something like Reusser did last year. Behind her, Laura Asencio was 12th at the weekend in Morbihan, Alice Maria Arzuffi was 5th at Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich and 7th at Chambéry too. Nina Berton was impressive in the spring classics, taking top-20s for the first time in her young career before also finishing in the top-10 at Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich. Then there’s Arianna Fidanza who can climb and have a fast finish too. She was 10th and 11th in the pair of Festival Elsy Jacobs races. The team will surely ride the hot hand in this race and everyone has a chance if they are going well.

Itzulia Women 2024 Outsiders

Marion Bunel
Marion Bunel

Marion Bunel is poised for a strong season and has been regularly notching up top-10s across the year so far, including one at Morbihan this weekend. She’s a rider who will suit the steep gradients at Itzulia Women and could feature in the top-10 on GC. Teammates Camille Fahy and Victorie Guilman will play supporting roles but also find themselves in good form at the moment (and also have their own Morbihan top-10s).

Nikola Noskova is on her way back to full fitness and was just outside the top-20 at both Morbihan races. We’ve seen already this year that at her best she can be a contender in these kinda of hilly races, including 8th in GC at Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. If she’s back fighting fit then she can get a strong result. The Ardennes were a bit quiet for Julie Bego, but the junior world champion has already impressed in her first season in the Elites. Hopefully, we see her get into the mix again in the Basque Country.

Sigrid Ytterhus Haugset should be the main rider for Coop-Repsol and she had a solid Vuelta Femenina without setting anything alight. She tends to get her best results in Spain and whilst she doesn’t go up the climbs with Demi Vollering, she will still finish well across all the stages. Teammate Stina Kagevi will no doubt go on the attack again at some point too. She’s still developing and there’s no TT here but she can be guaranteed to make a move.

Lotte Claes is the climbing option for Arkea-B&B Hotels and whilst the Belgian doesn’t have a particularly stand-out single result, she’s been up there plenty just outside the top-10. The stage may prove to be too hilly for Michaela Drummond to have a real go but she’s a race winner again this year after taking victory at the Pays de la Loire Tour. She has a quick finish after a tough stage but generally, I think the top names will dominate this.

Finally, Karolina Perekitko will have gained confidence from the Vuelta Femenina. She unfortunately lost a boatload of time early on on the windy flatter stages but pulled some of that back on the major climbing stages late on. She was just outside the top-10 on a smaller Continental team against some of the world’s best climbers.

Top 3 Prediction

  • Demi Vollering
  • Evita Muzic
  • Juliette Labous

Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL Extends Contract with Rising Star Nienke Vinke

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
Nienke Vinke
Nienke Vinke

Exciting news emerged today from the cycling world as Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL announced the extension of their contract with promising Dutch rider, Nienke Vinke. The young talent, adorned in the team’s distinctive two-striped jersey, will continue to represent the squad until at least the conclusion of 2026.

Vinke’s journey into elite racing has been nothing short of impressive, particularly after transitioning directly from the junior ranks. In 2023, she showcased her potential by contributing significantly to the team’s objectives while gaining invaluable experience across various race formats. Notable highlights from her debut season included a commendable top-ten finish at the Tour de l’Avenir Femmes and an impressive ninth place at Tre Valli Varesine.

Expressing her delight at extending her tenure with the team, Vinke remarked, “I really like how professional it is at Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL. The team is very organised and structured which I like, and there is also a very good ambience in the team, so this is a good environment to develop myself as a rider and a person.”

Nienke Vinke
Nienke Vinke

Vinke’s dedication to both her studies and racing has been commendable, with her stellar performances in 2024 further solidifying her position as one to watch. Notably, her outstanding second-place finish on Willunga Hill at the Tour Down Under, coupled with her victory in the best young rider classification, garnered widespread attention within the cycling community.

In response to Vinke’s contract extension, Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna praised her remarkable progress, stating, “Nienke has really impressed us since she joined the team. Not only for her on-bike performances but also her attitude off the bike. She is keen to learn and improve; something that we think is very valuable.”

Looking ahead, both Vinke and the team remain focused on continued growth and development. With a shared commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a supportive environment, the future looks promising for Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL.

Vinke concluded, “We have a nice group of riders and staff, and we are all very ambitious, so I hope we can continue to grow and learn together and achieve many wins as a team in the future.”

Giro d’Italia 2024: Stage 3 Preview

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

Stage 3 of the 2024 Giro d’Italia presents the peloton with a relatively flat 166 km ride from Novara to Fossano. Ideal for the sprinters, this stage marks the first significant opportunity for the fast men to showcase their prowess in a bunch sprint. The route takes the riders through the scenic Po Valley, known for its expansive rice fields and culinary richness, particularly the rice varieties essential for making classic Italian risotto.

Terrain and Key Challenges

The stage is mostly flat but includes minor undulations and a few key challenges in the central part. The roads are straight and wide, typical of the region, but riders will need to navigate common urban obstacles. A subtle ascent to Lu and another climb towards Cherasco spice up the otherwise flat profile, culminating in a short final climb leading into Fossano that could disrupt the sprinters’ rhythm.

Final Kilometres

The final 3 km are crucial, featuring a sharp bend 1,300 m from the finish and an ascent that could act as a springboard for late attacks. The last stretch ascends at approximately 5% over 4.5 km to 3 km from the line, then levels off, providing a platform for a thrilling sprint on a 9 m wide tarmac straight.

Sprint Contenders

  • Tim Merlier (Soudal–Quick-Step): With two Grand Tour stage wins under his belt, Merlier’s knack for timing his sprint perfectly makes him a top contender.
  • Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike): Despite a crash in Stage 2, Kooij’s debut at the Giro brings fresh energy and potential for a surprise.
  • Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek): Last year’s points classification winner, Milan combines raw power with a strong team setup, making him a formidable opponent in a straight sprint.
  • Fabio Jakobsen, Caleb Ewan, and Kaden Groves: All experienced sprinters with varying form this season, each looking to assert dominance in the early flat stages.
Tim Merlier Giro d'Italia 2021
Tim Merlier winning a Giro stage in 2021

Strategy Insights

Teams with sprinters who can handle slight inclines will aim to set a hard pace on the final climb, potentially giving their sprinter a tactical advantage. This stage might not eliminate any sprinter due to the climb’s moderate difficulty, but positioning and energy conservation will be crucial for the final push.

Cultural and Scenic Highlights

As the race weaves through Piedmont, riders and spectators alike can enjoy views of iconic landscapes and culinary stops featuring local specialities like Gorgonzola and Fassona beef, paired with wines from Langhe and Roero. The historical and architectural richness of the region, including the medieval ambience of Fossano’s historic centre, adds cultural depth to the racing spectacle.

Prediction

Given his recent form and proven ability to navigate the chaotic final kilometres of Grand Tour sprints, Tim Merlier is poised to claim victory in Fossano, capturing the first bunch sprint of this edition of the Giro d’Italia.

This stage promises not just a test of speed but also of tactical acumen, as the sprinters’ teams vie to position their leaders optimally for the final dash to the line, making it a must-watch for cycling enthusiasts.

Main photo credit: LaPresse

Tadej Pogacar seizes Maglia Rosa with stage win at Giro d’Italia

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

Tadej Pogacar claimed an emphatic victory in the second stage of the 107th Giro d’Italia, a 161km race from San Francesco al Campo to the Santuario di Oropa in Biella. The Slovenian, riding for UAE Team Emirates, executed a flawless solo finish to clinch the stage, also securing the prestigious Maglia Rosa as the race leader. Daniel Felipe Martinez of Bora-Hansgrohe and Geraint Thomas of Ineos Grenadiers followed in second and third place respectively. After missing out on Stage 1, Pogacar got off the mark today.

Stage 2 of the Giro d’Italia, covering 161 km from San Francesco al Campo to the Santuario di Oropa, provided a thrilling narrative set against the scenic backdrop of northern Italy. Starting in the Canavese area, the race journeyed through Vercelli’s rice fields before ascending into the hills, culminating in a summit finish at Oropa. This climb, significant for awarding the Montagna Pantani prize, echoed the historical 1999 victory of Italian climber Marco Pantani.

The stage began under sunny skies with Jhonatan Narváez proudly donning the maglia rosa. Early on, a breakaway formed but was closely monitored by major teams like Ineos Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates, while Cofidis, having missed the break, tried unsuccessfully to bridge the gap with Polti-Kometa and EF Education-EasyPost controlling the chase.

As the race progressed, a group led by Christian Scaroni gained a substantial lead. However, as the peloton approached the decisive climb to Oropa, the race dynamics shifted dramatically. The peloton, driven by UAE Team Emirates, increased the pace significantly, setting the stage for Tadej Pogacar to make a decisive move in the final kilometres.

With about 4.5 km remaining, Pogacar launched a powerful attack, overcoming an earlier setback involving a crash due to a puncture. Demonstrating resilience, he managed to rejoin and then break away from the peloton, reminiscent of Pantani’s legendary ascent. Pogacar’s effort not only earned him the stage victory but also the coveted maglia rosa, marking a significant moment in his cycling career.

Behind him, the battle for the remaining podium spots was fierce, with Daniel Felipe Martinez and Geraint Thomas finishing strongly to round out the top three. The stage was a testament to strategic racing and the dramatic shifts that can occur within the span of just a few kilometres, particularly on such a challenging ascent.

Speaking just moments after the stage, Pogacar reflected on the significance of the victory. “It’s a dream coming true, an amazing victory. After having won at the Vuelta and the Tour, to win a stage in all the Grand Tours is something big in cycling,” he said. Despite an earlier incident in the race where he suffered a flat tyre, Pogacar remained undeterred, attributing his quick recovery to his team’s efforts. “I didn’t really get scared by the incident. It happened after a flat tyre because I wanted to stop before the corner. It wasn’t serious, and the team brought me back quickly,” he explained.

The climb to Oropa proved decisive as Pogacar distanced himself from his rivals in the final kilometres, his victory further underlined by the enthusiastic support from the fans lining the route. “The atmosphere was incredible on the climb, and it was a real pleasure to ride solo in the last couple of kilometres,” Pogacar added.

Tadej Pogacar Giro d'Italia Stage 2

Cian Uijtdebroeks, another notable performer, finished strongly to place seventh and capture the Maglia Bianca for best young rider. “It’s my first distinctive jersey in a Grand Tour… It’s amazing for me. There’s still a really long three weeks of racing ahead of us. But once you have this jersey, you want to fight for it. I will do until we get to Rome,” Uijtdebroeks commented, expressing his determination to defend the jersey.

As the Giro d’Italia continues, the stakes remain high with Pogacar now leading the general classification, closely followed by Geraint Thomas and Daniel Felipe Martinez. The Slovenian’s victory not only marks a significant moment in his career but also sets the stage for a compelling battle for the pink jersey in the days to come.

2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 2 result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Main photo credit: Zac Williams

Anniina Ahtosalo Outpaces Favourites to Clinch Trofee Maarten Wynants

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
Anniina Ahtosalo
(Photo Credit: Bart Borgerhoff)

In a thrilling conclusion to the Trofee Maarten Wynants, Finnish champion Anniina Ahtosalo showcased her sprinting prowess to take victory in Helchteren. The race, which unfolded over eleven local laps and featured minimal elevation changes, naturally culminated in a mass sprint after 116 kilometres of competitive riding. Despite the flat course setting the stage for a sprinters’ showdown, it was Ahtosalo who outshone the field, including top favourite Chiara Consonni, who had to settle for third place behind the swift Scarlett Souren of the Netherlands.

Ahtosalo, who rides for Uno-X Mobility, expressed her delight at executing the team’s plan flawlessly. “The plan was to go for the sprint with me, both today and yesterday. In Wichelen, I finished behind Consonni, but today I was able to keep some distance,” she explained. “We rode a good race as a team. Agreed, we spared ourselves in chasing the leading trio and left most of the work to Visma-Lease a Bike. But in the last kilometres, we were all there and the sprint was prepared down to the last detail.”

Meanwhile, Consonni, despite finishing third, remained upbeat about her performance over the weekend. “First yesterday, third today, there are worse weekends,” she remarked with a laugh. “Things went a bit wrong in the sprint preparation today, we were just too far along. Uno-X handled it much better.”

The event also saw commendable efforts from other competitors, with Marthe Goossens finishing in the top ten for AG Insurance-NXTG U23, while Nienke Veenhoven managed sixth place for Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women. Veenhoven shared her reflections on her sprint, noting, “I launched my sprint a little too early. In hindsight, it’s always disappointing to realise, but I’ll learn from this. I’m very satisfied with the work the teammates did on the road to reel in the breakaway riders.”

The day’s racing proved not only a test of speed but of tactical acumen, with teams jostling for position and controlling the pace. The victory marked Ahtosalo’s first competition win since mid-June 2023, illustrating a triumphant return to the top of the podium, much to the joy of her team and supporters.

2024 Trofeo Maarten Wynants result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Main photo credit: Bart Borgerhoff

Rider Thoughts at the End of 2024 Vuelta Femenina

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
05/05/2024 - La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es - Etapa 8 - Distrito Telefónica. Madrid / Valdesquí. Comunidad de Madrid (89,5 km) - VOLLERING Demi (TEAM SD WORX - PROTIME)

Demi Vollering sealed her overall victory at the 2024 La Vuelta Femenina in spectacular fashion, delivering a solo win on the mountainous final stage to Valdesquí. The Dutch champion, riding for SD Worx-Protime, made a decisive attack with just over 6 kilometres to go, leaving her competitors trailing as she powered her way to the finish line in the red leader’s jersey.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking with the last climb not being very steep. But when we turned and had the wind at our back, I knew I had to make my move,” Vollering explained. She added, “I’m thrilled to have secured my overall victory in this manner, and I owe a lot to my teammates for their incredible support throughout the race. I’m really proud of us.”

This victory marks Vollering’s second grand tour win, having previously triumphed in the Tour de France Femmes. Looking ahead, she remains ambitious, stating, “This overall win is hopefully a good start for this summer. I’m looking forward to competing in the upcoming stage races and the Tour de France Femmes.”

2024 Vuelta Femenina podium (l-r) Riejanne Markus, Demi Vollering, Elisa Longo Borghini
(Photo Credit: Sprint Cycling Agency)

Riejanne Markus

Riejanne Markus also ended her campaign on a high note, capturing third place in the final stage and securing second overall. “It was a fantastic battle today,” Markus reflected. “The whole team gave everything they had, and I’m delighted with how things turned out. It was tough at the top, which helped me make the difference and move up in the standings compared to last year.”

Marianne Vos

Marianne Vos continued to demonstrate her enduring class, claiming her second-stage win of the race and the points classification. “The week started well with the team time trial, and we’ve been competitive throughout,” Vos commented. “Winning the points classification and securing two stage wins feels like a fitting end to this period of racing.”

Juliette Labous

Juliette Labous fought valiantly on the last day, managing to finish alongside Elisa Longo Borghini, who rounded out the top three overall. Labous described the day as “really tough,” especially praising her teammate Abi Smith, who was instrumental in the early breakaway and later supported her on the mountain. “It was a big fight on the last climb. I pushed hard, but the others were just stronger,” Labous noted, thankful for her team’s efforts.

Elisa Longo Borghini

Elisa Longo Borghini

Elisa Longo Borghini shared her reflections on a challenging week, expressing satisfaction despite not achieving her highest form. “It’s sport – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But third place in the Vuelta is not a bad result at all,” Longo Borghini stated, also mentioning her leadership in the UCI Women’s WorldTour.

Mireia Benito

Mireia Benito, recipient of the overall combativity prize at La Vuelta Femenina, expressed her satisfaction with her and her team’s performance throughout the race. “I believe today was another strong performance of the team. Everyone did their role exceptionally well, striving to secure a good position in the breakaway today. It’s truly gratifying to stand on the podium once again, especially receiving the Super Combativity Prize in La Vuelta Femenina. It boosts my confidence, also because it’s not easy to get into the breakaways. So I am very happy with the prize!” said a delighted Benito.

Alison-Jackson-2024-Vuelta-Femenina

Veronica Ewers + Alison Jackson

EF Education-Cannondale riders shared their experiences, with Veronica Ewers and Alison Jackson highlighting the team’s unity and performance. “I’m really proud of how the team performed. We exceeded all our expectations,” said Ewers, with Jackson adding, “It’s been a phenomenal week. Winning stages and always being in the top ten has been fantastic.”

As La Vuelta Femenina concluded under the Spanish sun, the riders’ sentiments were a mix of exhaustion and elation, each carrying forward the momentum into their next competitions.

Main photo credit: Alex Berasategi

Vollering Claims La Vuelta Femenina With Dominant Final Stage Victory

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
05/05/2024 - La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es - Etapa 8 - Distrito Telefónica. Madrid / Valdesquí. Comunidad de Madrid (89,5 km) - VOLLERING Demi (TEAM SD WORX - PROTIME)

Demi Vollering from SD Worx-Protime conquered the 2024 La Vuelta Femenina, celebrating her victory solo as she crossed the finish line at Valdesquí resort in the leader’s red jersey. The Dutch rider’s powerful move 6.5km from the end of the stage allowed her to shake off her rivals and secure both the stage and the overall win.

“It’s really nice to finish it off like this, we did a really good Vuelta, some podiums and two stage wins, so I think we can be very proud of ourselves,” Vollering remarked, reflecting on her team’s performance throughout the race.

The early break led by Anya Louw and Sarah Gigante
(Photo Credit: Alex Berasategi)

The final stage, spanning a brisk 89.5km from the Telefónica headquarters in Madrid, featured challenging climbs including the first-category Puerto de La Morcuera and culminated at the Cima Estela Domínguez at Valdesquí. The day’s racing heated up early with a breakaway group of 13 riders, but the critical action unfolded on the Morcuera climb where the race really began to splinter.

Sarah Gigante made an attack from the remnants of the early breakaway, but it was Pauliena Rooijakkers who eventually went clear. However, the peloton, driven by an insistent Grace Brown from FDJ-SUEZ, was relentless, catching all escapees on the descent towards Valdesquí.

The remnants of the peloton on the climb
(Photo Credit: Alex Berasategi)

With 6.5km remaining, Vollering made her decisive move, rapidly distancing herself from her closest competitors and soloing to victory. Évita Muzic of FDJ-SUEZ crossed the line 29 seconds later, securing second place on the day and dislodging Elisa Longo Borghini from the overall runner-up position by 11 seconds, as Longo Borghini struggled, finishing seventh on the stage.

Karlijn Swinkels, clad in the polka-dot jersey, spoke candidly about her experience: “I tried my best every stage until the end and enjoyed racing aggressively. I really gave my all on the last stage so I would go home with no regrets,” despite ultimately losing the jersey on the final climb to Vollering.

The race saw Vollering also clinching the polka-dot jersey, marking a spectacular return to form after a spring season without victories. “It is a good start, I hope I can do some other really nice stage races of course, and I am looking really much forward to the rest of the season,” she said, setting her sights on future challenges.

Demi Vollering holds her bike aloft
(Photo Credit: Sprint Cycling Agency)

The fierce competition for the podium spots made the final kilometres a nail-biting pursuit, with Markus and Longo Borghini battling it out until the final moments. Vollering’s triumph at Valdesquí not only sealed her victory but also demonstrated her undeniable strength and command in the race, hinting at an exciting season ahead for the Dutch star.

2024 Vuelta Femenina Stage 8 result

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2024 Vuelta Femenina GC result

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Main photo credit:Sprint Cycling Agency

Live: 2024 Vuelta Femenina Stage 8

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
04/05/2024 - La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es - Etapa 7 - San Esteban de Gormaz / Sigüenza (138,6 km) -
04/05/2024 - La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es - Etapa 7 - San Esteban de Gormaz / Sigüenza (138,6 km) -

So we’ve come to the final stage of this year’s Vuelta Femenina and it’s a final one for riders to secure or rescue their GC hopes. There are a pair of tough categorised climbs on the route, the first – Puerto de La Morcuera – is 9.2 km, and an average gradient of 7% and the second – Valdesquí. Comunidad de Madrid – is 12.7 km, and an average gradient of 4.9%.

For most, the GC is a foregone conclusion. It’s tough to see how Demi Vollering will lose 52 seconds to Elisa Longo Borghini, let alone over a minute to the likes of Riejanne Markus, Juliette Labous, her own teammate Niamh Fisher-Black and Evita Muzic. There are still battles further down the order though with some of those mentioned maybe looking to sneak onto the podium. The top-10 could see a shake-up and the chance for riders who lost time yesterday to recover some of it.

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