Spain's cycling world is buzzing with excitement as 23-year-old Paula Blasi has etched her name into the history books, claiming her first Grand Tour victory at the women's Vuelta a España. The UAE Team ADQ rider delivered a stunning performance on the race's final, punishing stage, overcoming a deficit to dethrone four-time Giro d'Italia champion Anna van der Breggen.
Starting the day in second place overall, Blasi faced a monumental challenge on the brutal slopes of L'Angliru, a climb featuring gradients of up to 23%. As the peloton hit the steepest sections, the pressure mounted, and van der Breggen began to struggle. Blasi, showing the composure of a seasoned veteran, stayed calm and surged forward when it mattered most.
"It was crazy," Blasi said after the victory. "The best thing I could do was not think about it. I knew it would be about 50 minutes, so I said, 'just keep going, keep on your pace.' But I started to see Anna struggling, and I said, 'let's go for it.'"
Blasi crossed the final stage line in second place, behind Switzerland's Petra Stiasny, but that was more than enough to secure the overall title. This home win cements Blasi's status as one of cycling's brightest emerging talents, adding to an already impressive season that includes victories at the Amstel Gold Race and strong performances at La Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Remarkably, Blasi only began competitive cycling in 2024 after an injury ended her athletics career. When a reporter asked how she would have reacted if someone had predicted her Vuelta win, she laughed and said, "I would think you were joking."
The decisive moment came four kilometers from the finish on L'Angliru, one of cycling's most notorious climbs. When France's Marion Bunel launched an attack, Blasi matched her pace while van der Breggen fell behind. This marked the first time the Asturias road has featured in the women's Vuelta, adding to the drama of an unforgettable day.
Behind the triumphant Blasi, 36-year-old van der Breggen finished second overall, with 21-year-old Bunel rounding out the podium in third. The top six included a mix of experienced champions and rising stars, showcasing the depth of talent in women's cycling.
Final General Classification:
1. Paula Blasi (SPA/UAE Team ADQ) – 22hrs 17mins 3secs
2. Anna van der Breggen (NED/Team SD Worx-Protime) – +24 secs
3. Marion Bunel (FRA/Team Visma Lease a Bike) – +49 secs
4. Usoa Ostolaza (SPA/Laboral Kutxa-Fundacion Euskadi) – +2 mins 31 secs
5. Juliette Berthet (FRA/FDJ United-SUEZ) – +2 mins 36 secs
6. Urska Zigart (SLO/AG Insurance-Soudal Team) – +2 mins 43 secs
For fans of the sport, this victory is a testament to the power of perseverance and the thrill of watching a new star rise. Whether you're hitting the road or the trails, let Blasi's inspired ride remind you that the right gear and the right mindset can take you to the top.