The first GC day at the Vuelta Femenina saw the peloton faced with lots of climbing throughout Thursday afternoon and a hill-top finish in Jaca. Setting out with the goal of supporting GC finisher Juliette Labous, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL rode well as a unit throughout the stage, keeping Labous safe and in a good position for the key moments. Unfortunately there were a few falls in the group with Charlotte Kool and Daniek Hengeveld involved but both were able to remount their bikes and continue the stage. Coming over the longest ascent of the day Labous still had Nienke Vinke and Eleonora Ciabocco for company, with the young duo then bringing Labous towards the front for the final climb. On the ascent an infernal pace was set and it came down to legs on the day, with Labous riding a measured effort and at her own tempo, ultimately crossing the line for a good eight place. It’s a result that sees her and the team move up to fifth on GC ahead of the next stages.
Speaking at the finish Labous said: “Today the start was quite nervous but the girls kept me in a good position. There was a crash with Daniek and Charlotte but luckily they came back then the girls did an amazing job to position Nienke, Eleonora and me for the big middle climb. On there the pace was quite high but Nienke and Eleonora stayed with me which was good. Then towards the final climb I was in a good position and it was just about the legs. I didn’t have my best day but I really gave everything. Now we’re only 20 seconds from the podium so I will give it my best in the next days to make it onto that podium step.”