The world of women's cycling has been abuzz with excitement as the Vuelta a España Femenina reached its thrilling conclusion on the daunting Angliru climb. In this article, we'll delve into the key takeaways from this year's race, exploring the rise of new stars, the comeback of legends, and the shifting dynamics within the peloton.
The Birth of a New Star
Paula Blasi, a 23-year-old Spanish sensation, has emerged as the breakout star of the 2026 cycling season. Her remarkable journey began with three impressive wins in 1.1-ranked events last year, but it's her performance this year that has truly captivated the cycling world. From her third-place finish in the Santos Tour Down Under to her stunning victory in the Amstel Gold Race, Blasi has proven her talent and versatility.
What makes Blasi's story even more fascinating is her ability to rise to the occasion in the Vuelta Femenina. After a strong second-place finish on the mountain stage, she seized the opportunity on the summit finish of l'Angliru, claiming the red jersey and the overall GC. Her words after the win reflect a sense of disbelief and joy, a testament to the hard work and dedication that have brought her to this moment.
The Return of a Legend
Anna van der Breggen, a name synonymous with dominance in women's cycling, made a remarkable comeback in the 2025 season after retiring in 2021. Her stage win atop Les Praeres. Nava was a powerful reminder of her past glory, as she rode her rivals off her wheel with ease. However, the race for the red jersey was not without its challenges.
Van der Breggen's performance on the final stage of the Vuelta Femenina was a testament to her resilience and fighting spirit. Despite falling short of the overall win, she can take immense pride in her comeback and the progress she's made. Her words after the race reflect a mix of disappointment and determination, a sign that she's not done yet and is ready to build upon this foundation.
Shifting Focus and Adaptation
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, a fan favorite, faced a challenging Vuelta Femenina, particularly in the mountains. Her performance contrasted sharply with her dominant showing in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes. The conditions and the climb seemed to expose a vulnerability, as she struggled to keep up with the pace.
Ferrand-Prévot's directeur sportif, Jos van Emden, expressed his frustration, highlighting the importance of maintaining form throughout a Grand Tour. However, with the Tour de France Femmes still on the horizon, she has time to regroup and refocus. Her journey this year serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished riders face challenges and must adapt to stay at the top.
Overcoming Adversity
Kasia Niewiadoma, another former Tour winner, encountered her own set of challenges in the Vuelta Femenina. Known for her prowess as a climber, she struggled on the steep ascents, admitting that the climbs were beyond her usual standard. However, her performance in the Ardennes Classics, where she placed second in the Amstel Gold Race and third in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, offers a glimmer of hope.
Niewiadoma's resilience is evident as she reflects on her performance, acknowledging the steepness of the climbs and the need for a different approach. Her experience in the Vuelta Femenina serves as a learning curve, and with time to recover from her Milan-San Remo crash, she can look forward to the upcoming races with renewed focus.
Embracing One's Strengths
Lotte Kopecky, the former world champion, took a different approach this season, focusing on races and disciplines that suited her natural physique. Her decision to stop chasing the bodyweight of climbers and embrace her muscular build paid off. Kopecky's wins in Nokere Koerse and Milan-San Remo, along with her strong performances in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, showcased her versatility and determination.
In the Vuelta Femenina, Kopecky's frustration on the first mountain stage gave way to satisfaction as she secured the green jersey and a stage win. Her words after the race reflect a sense of respect for the challenges faced by the riders, especially on the brutal Angliru climb. Kopecky's journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that sometimes the key to success lies in embracing one's unique strengths and adapting to the demands of the sport.
