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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

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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

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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.

Race preview can be found here.

Live Coverage

The race starts at 9:50pm with the live coverage starting at 11am

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NOS in Netherlands
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Live: 2024 Trofee Maarten Wynants

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
Trofee Maarten Wynants
Trofee Maarten Wynants Women 2023

The Trofee Maarten Wynants is a prestigious women’s cycling race held each year in Helchteren, Belgium. It is named in honour of Maarten Wynants, a celebrated Belgian cyclist, and aims to promote women’s participation in the sport. This event is a key part of the Lotto Cycling Cup, drawing skilled cyclists from across the world who come to test their mettle on its demanding course.

The race usually takes place in the spring and features a mix of flat sections and gentle hills, presenting both tactical challenges and a test of endurance for the participants. Riders must tackle multiple laps of a circuit, each one packed with tight turns and stretches exposed to the wind, which adds complexity to the race strategy.

Chiara Consonni triumphed at the 2023 edition of the Trofee Maarten Wynants, marking her first victory of the season with the UAE Team ADQ. The final moments of the race were dramatic, with rain starting to fall during the last lap leading to a crash in the final curve, which Consonni skillfully avoided. Her teammates, Anna Trevisi and Laura Tomasi, played crucial roles in this victory, finishing seventh and tenth respectively, and helping to keep the race under control which set Consonni up for the sprint finish.

Live Coverage

The race starts at 10am today

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2024 Giro d’Italia – Who will Triumph in Stage 2?

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
Giro d'Italia Peloton

After an electrifying start to the 107th Giro d’Italia, the peloton is bracing for a gruelling challenge on Stage 2. The 161km journey from San Francesco al Campo to the revered Santuario di Oropa will be the race’s first summit finish, promising dramatic shifts in the general classification.

2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 2 Route

The route initiates with a serene progression through the Canavese and Vercelli districts, but tranquillity is set to give way to a relentless series of ascents and descents starting in Valdengo. The climbs of Crocemosso and Oasi Zegna will serve as mere preludes to the pivotal climb to Oropa, which has been a Giro staple, immortalised by Marco Pantani’s astonishing 1999 victory.

As the course approaches Biella, the riders will descend rapidly before facing the final 11km climb to Oropa. This climb is notorious for its varying gradients, peaking at a punishing 13% through Favaro, then settling into a 9% incline towards the sanctuary. The last stretch, a 130m porphyry-paved road, will likely see the first significant time gaps of this year’s Giro.

Contenders

Tadej Pogačar, still smarting from narrowly missing out on the opening stage victory to Jhonatan Narvaez, is expected to be in the thick of the action. Despite the setback, Pogačar showed formidable form, distancing many GC contenders on an unclassified climb and laying down a marker for the stages ahead.

Stage 2 could be pivotal for GC contenders like Geraint Thomas and Ben O’Connor, who need to limit any losses to Pogačar, particularly on the steep ramps of Oropa. The climb’s rich history and its previous race dynamics suggest we might witness significant moves from those aiming for the overall victory.

Vincenzo Nibali, a seasoned Giro contender, commented on the strategic complexities of the climb. “Oropa is a stage that everybody knows all about, and everybody’s legs should be very fresh this early in the Giro, but it’s a difficult climb to interpret,” said Nibali. He noted that much will depend on Pogačar’s tactics, indicating that the Slovenian might attempt to assert his dominance early in the race.

Tomorrow’s stage is not just a physical test but a tactical battlefield, where early shows of strength can set the tone for the remaining three weeks

Jhonatan Narvaez clinches dramatic Stage 1 victory at Giro d’Italia

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

Jhonatan Narvaez of Ineos Grenadiers took the first maglia rosa of this year’s Giro d’Italia after a thrilling victory on Stage 1, a 140km race from Venaria Reale to Torino. The Ecuadorian rider managed to out-sprint Maximilian Schachmann of Bora-Hansgrohe and Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates, who finished second and third respectively.

The race concluded with Narvaez securing the win by a margin of just two seconds, positioning him 86 points ahead in the points classification and giving him a lead in the general classification. Schachmann and Pogacar are trailing at three seconds and six seconds respectively.

In the aftermath of his victory, Narvaez shared his elation and tactics, “It’s a great feeling. We had planned this with the team but I had to follow Pogacar and it still hurts me now. He went really hard but at the end I made it. In the sprint, I think he went too long. It’s amazing. We don’t have many opportunities in a Grand Tour to win a stage. Especially this one. It puts me in the Maglia Rosa. I had dreamt of this jersey. It’s been very difficult to get it.”

Adding to the narrative of the stage, the race was marked by an intense finale where Pogacar launched a robust attack. Narvaez, closely followed by Schachmann, was quick to respond, leading to a gripping three-man sprint finish in Torino. Narvaez’s strategic prowess and determination saw him through, denying Pogacar his first Giro d’Italia stage win of the year.

Reflecting further on his triumph and the challenges ahead, Narvaez stated in the press conference, “Today was my first opportunity and it’s nice to beat a strong guy like Tadej Pogacar. I will enjoy it a lot. We know he’s the strongest guy in the world. I was on his wheel, it was hard to stay there, then I had to play my cards. After my crash at Gent-Wevelgem, the team looked after me very well and sent me home for an altitude training camp in Ecuador. I’m in the best shape of my career, I’m in my best years, but I can’t fight with Pogacar in the biggest climbs, so it’ll be hard to keep the Maglia Rosa tomorrow.”

As the Giro d’Italia heads into Stage 2, which features an uphill finish to Oropa, Narvaez remains cautiously optimistic about his chances of retaining the leader’s jersey in the mountainous stages ahead. The race continues to promise more excitement and fierce competition among the top contenders.

2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 1 result

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Marianne Vos powers to victory in Stage 7 of La Vuelta Femenina

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

Marianne Vos of Visma | Lease a Bike claimed a stunning victory in the seventh stage of La Vuelta Femenina, further solidifying her lead in the points competition. It’s her 2nd win this year’s Vuelta Femenina after also winning Stage 3 in Teruel. The stage, spanning 138.6km from San Esteban de Gormaz to Siguenza, concluded with Vos out-sprinting her rivals on an uphill finish, with American Kristen Faulkner of EF Education-Cannondale trailing by two seconds in second place.

The stage unfolded under challenging conditions with strong crosswinds that played a crucial role in the race dynamics, splitting the peloton and setting the scene for a dramatic finish. Behind Vos, Elisa Longo Borghini from Italy crossed the line at the same time as Faulkner to take third place, maintaining her position as a key contender in the general classification.

(Photo Credit: CXCLING)

There were several battles to get involved in the breakaways today with first one group going clear, only to get pulled back through the efforts of Movistar and Visma | Lease a Bike before Anna Kiesenhofer’s solo attack sparked a fresh group to establish a breakaway. The likes of Anya Louw and Carolina Vargas were involved and as it turned out they were perfectly positioned for when the team in yellow and black pushed on with the wind to their advantage.

They split the peloton up into 3 main groups with the likes of Yara Kastelijn, Liane Lippert Antonia Niedermaier and Sarah Gigante all missing out on being in the front group. Movistar put all hands on deck to try and close the gap and despite getting under 30 seconds at one point were unable to regain parity.

(Photo Credit: Jennifer Lindini)

A late flurry of attacks from SD Worx’s Mischa Bredewold and Marlen Reusser didn’t disrupt the lead into the climb and it was Kristen Faulkner who paced the majority of the final climb. A kick from Marianne Vos before the top saw her go well clear with a comfortable 2-second advantage by the finish line.

Vos described the team’s strategy saying, “We really wanted to go for the stage win today. That’s why the team controlled the race. Of course, when they do so much work, you want to make it count in the final. It was a bit stressful but when we entered the final kilometre we just tried to stay in the best possible position and go for it.”

Reflecting on the pivotal moments of the race, Vos added, “It was open and there was wind, so there was this possibility of echelons. The last days we didn’t have the wind from the right side but today it was just open and sidewinds, so echelons again.”

Marianne Vos
(Photo Credit: Alex Berasategi)

Longo Borghini also commented on the race dynamics, appreciating the teamwork that kept her in contention: “We knew that at kilometre 98 there was a possibility of having an echelon, and we were really attentive. Lizzie positioned us very well along with Elynor so we were three in the first split. The girls did a great job covering moves and trying to attack themselves. I tried to follow Faulkner, then I tried to pass her. I tried to go hard from 300m. I knew it was a bit far from the finish line but I had to make it hard, and in the end, it’s a good third place.”

Demi Vollering, 2023 Tour de France winner and fellow Dutch rider, continues to hold the red jersey, finishing fourth on the day. She heads into the final stage with a 52-second lead over Longo Borghini, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the tour, which will feature mountainous terrain including two category-one climbs.

2024 Vuelta Femenina Stage 7 result

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