The first stage was decided in the last kilometers, in a second category port. The rain hindered the development of the day but, as things are in this country, welcome. The Urkaregi elevation, which connects Guipúzcoa with Vizcaya, of almost 6 km, 283 meters of unevenness, an average gradient of 4.6% and a demanding ramp of 10% was the key to completing the stage. Demi Vollering (SD Word) He began to shoot with 13 km to go. to the end and broke the group mercilessly starting to climb the road. He capped with 47 seconds over a four-chasing pack that Van Vleuten was in.
The Dutch empress crossed the finish line at Markina-Xemein alone and claimed her eighth victory of the season. The most striking have been the Strade Bianche, the Amstel, the Arrow, the Liege and the Lagos de Covadonga in the Tour of Spain last week. The descent from Urkaregi was very dangerous due to the water but the main favorites negotiated the curves well and did not go to the ground.
120 runners from 20 teams gathered at the Etxebarria start. They did it from the Eika factory, a company that is clearly committed to female labor. From the beginning there were escape attempts but, when passing through Lekeitio, at kilometer 30, the peloton was grouped. The fine rain made an appearance throughout the morning but the two great favourites, Van Vleuten and Vollering, are Dutch so there is little fear for that.
Myriam Núñez (Massi Tactic) starred in the first serious escape of the Itzulia Women 2023. She came within 45 seconds but was absorbed by the group. She also tried Vettorello (Bepink) kilometers later. They also left the group, with 45 km to go. for the goal, Anna Kiesenhofer (Israel Premier Tech) and Aurela Nerlo (Massi Tactic). Passing through Berriatua, they were 40 seconds ahead of the favorites. They managed to exceed a minute of difference but were neutralized in the closing stages of the stage, in Elgoibar. The final coup was yet to come.
Tomorrow Saturday will take place the second stage, of 133 km, between Vitoria and Amurrio. It will leave the capital of Alava at 9:40 a.m. and it will pass through Nanclares, Salinas, Barrón, Zuazo de Cuartango, Izarra, Orduña, Amurrio, Laudio, Zuaza, Respaldiza and Lezama to end in Amurrio. The scoring levels will be La Tejera and Malkuartu, both in the third category. The arrival is scheduled around 1:30 p.m. considering the intermediate time.
STAGE AND GENERAL
1. Demi Vollering (SD Worx)… 3:16:31.
2. Marlen Reusser (SD Worx)… at 47 secs.
3. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon)… 49 secs.
4. Annemiek Van Vleuten (Movistar Team)… 51 seconds away.
