There have been a variety of GC skirmishes by means of the primary half of La Vuelta Femenina however the summit end on stage 5 was the primary actual check of the climbing leg and on the Rapatan Fort within the Pyrenean city of Jaca the flames of hope for Demi Vollering’s rivals acquired a severe dousing.
There should still be an ember burning for Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek), who’s the closest rival to the SD Worx-Protime rider on the general, at 31 seconds, however it appears like there may be each probability that the crimson jersey of the race chief might have discovered its dwelling for 2024. Now that Vollering has damaged her victory drought together with her first high step of the season, it might effectively proceed on right into a roll.
“I felt very sturdy this complete yr. I used to be on the rostrum a number of instances, however victory remained out,” mentioned Vollering in a staff media assertion. “It took a very long time this yr for me to win. I’m comfortable that I used to be in a position to present it right here now.”
Heading into La Vuelta Femenina, Vollering was the apparent favorite, given she was second to Van Vleuten final yr – shedding crimson on the second final stage after an ill-timed nature break – and was additionally the Tour de France Femmes victor in 2023. Although her lack of a win by means of the early a part of the season, though there have been many podiums, meant the door nonetheless appeared open for a variety of potential challengers. They included Lidl-Trek, with Longo Borghini and Gaia Realini, Canyon-SRAM’s duo of Kasia Niewiadoma and Ricarda Bauernfeind, Juliette Labous (dsm firmenich-Submit NL), Mavi García (Liv-AlUla-Jayco), Évita Muzic (FDJ-Suez) and Riejanne Markus (Jumbo-Visma).
Nevertheless, Vollering appeared each bit the dominant participant as she assuredly took management on the comparatively quick class 2 ultimate climb of stage 5. She gained a stable hole on the very first summit end, accelerating away from Yara Kastelijn (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and primary GC rival Longo Borghini, within the ultimate phases of the ascent.
“That plan labored effectively,” mentioned Vollering. “Profitable La Vuelta Femenina is my massive aim and I’m comfortable to have already got this stunning crimson chief’s jersey round my shoulders.”
“I hope we are able to make it a couple of extra good days right here with the staff and defend my place. The truth that I’m already 31 seconds forward of Elisa Longo Borghini is an effective place to begin.”
The most recent race content material, interviews, options, opinions and knowledgeable shopping for guides, direct to your inbox!
Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) on the rostrum in crimson after stage 5 (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
From opening salvos to decisive lengthy climbs
After a robust Crew Time Trial on the opening stage, with SD Worx-Protime taking second to Lidl-Trek, Vollering already had a small benefit on many rivals after which opened up a considerable one on others within the crosswinds of stage 4, however Thursday delivered the uphill end she actually wanted to take management.
The Dutch rider shot up six spots within the general to prime place as she crossed the road 28 seconds forward of Kastelijn and the Italian champion – including a ten second win bonus as effectively. That left solely two riders inside a minute of her on GC, first Longo Borghini after which, at 53 seconds, Riejanne Markus (Jumbo Visma), who completed fourth general on the race final yr.
Kristen Faulkner (EF Training-Cannondale), Labous, SD Worx-Protime teammates Marlen Reusser and Niamh Fisher Black and Canyon-SRAM’s Niewiadoma are the one different riders inside two minutes of Vollering on the overall classification. Meaning Vollering not solely appears to be the strongest rider but in addition has the strongest staff place, with the Dutch squad holding 3 of the highest seven spots.
Lidl-Trek and Canyon-SRAM had each appeared effectively positioned to rival SD Worx-Protime on the run into the race. A Flèche Wallonne profitable Niewiadoma was anticipated to not solely have final yr’s fifth-placed Bauernfeind by her aspect close to the highest of the outcomes desk but in addition gifted younger climber Neve Bradbury. The Australian, nevertheless was knocked out by sickness earlier than the racing even started whereas Bauernfeind is twelfth general after getting caught on the unsuitable aspect of the hole on stage 4. Niewiadoma is eighth general as whereas she acquired by means of stage 4 unscathed she then struggled on the ultimate climb of stage 5 and completed sixteenth after feeling the influence of current sickness.
Lidl-Trek additionally suffered a blow on stage 5, when Realini, co-leader with Longo Borghini, had a nasty fall on the final descent and ended any hope of the staff utilizing a two-pronged GC assault in opposition to Vollering when she limped throughout the road greater than seven minutes down in 53rd place.
Nonetheless, there are two summit finishes left, each class one and each longer than Thursday’s ultimate effort, which opens up the chance to carve out substantial time gaps. The primary is on Friday’s 132.1km stage ending on the La Laguna Negra after which there may be Sunday’s race finale to Valdesquí.
It’s terrain that additionally fits Vollering, as evidenced by her crushing victory within the ultimate stage of La Vuelta Femenina final yr, and her rivals might not have the percentages of their favour however some are nonetheless more likely to do every part they will to stop it being a procession to the end.
“The lengthy climbs within the subsequent days will likely be decisive, and also you interpret the longer climbs otherwise,” mentioned Longo Borghini after stage 5. “On a 3.5km climb like at present, you simply need to go full fuel, in the meantime on an extended climb you must tempo your self, which is one thing that fits me higher.”
