The Dutch cyclist Demi Vollering, riding for the FDJ-SUEZ team, secured a remarkable victory in the first stage of the Female Cycling-Volta Setmana to the Valencian Community. This 113-kilometer stage, which took place between Alzira and Gandía, saw Vollering exhibit exceptional skill, ultimately claiming the first orange sweater as the leader of the race with a time of 2:54:54 hours.
Initial Stage and Strategy
Vollering, making her debut with the FDJ-SUEZ French team, capitalized on the groundwork laid by her teammates during the initial ramps of the Alto de Barx, the last ascent of the first day and categorized as 2nd class. Approximately 20 kilometers from the finish line, she launched a decisive attack that would shape the outcome of the stage.
Initially, only Anna Van Der Breggen of SD Worx, who was returning to competition after a three-year hiatus, could keep pace with Vollering. However, the veteran cyclist eventually found it challenging to maintain the rhythm set by her compatriot, ultimately allowing Vollering to cross the finish line in Gandía alone.
Team Strategy and Outcomes
The FDJ team took control before the final ascent of the day, imposing a frantic pace that fractured the leading group. Vollering seized the opportunity provided by her teammates to attack, with only Van Der Breggen initially able to follow. Behind them, Martina Reusser of Movistar, the current champion, pursued. Van Der Breggen later waited for Reusser, and together they attempted to limit Vollering’s lead, eventually finishing half a minute behind in a sprint, with Reusser taking the remaining bonuses. The first group of the peloton finished a minute and a half behind the winner, suggesting that the general classification may be contested between Vollering, Van Der Breggen, and Reusser.
Looking ahead, the second stage is set to take place between Benicssim and Nules, covering 134 kilometers and featuring the ascent to the mountain ports of the High Hair (1st category) and El Alto de Coronets (2nd category), promising another challenging and decisive day in the Female Cycling-Volta Setmana to the Valencian Community.