UAE Team ADQ wrapped up the Tour de Romandie Féminin as one of the main protagonists, thanks to an all-in, bold performance in the final stage of the Swiss race.
Alena Amialiusik and Greta Marturano spent the day in the long breakaway, only caught before the last climb. Later, Alena Ivanchenko and, most notably, a downhill attack by Silvia Persico helped launch the decisive move that put Paula Blasi at the front of the race.
The young Spaniard broke away with Elise Chabbey (FDJ-Suez) and was later joined by Blanka Vas. In the finale, the Hungarian rider sprinted to the stage victory, while Blasi took an excellent second place ahead of Chabbey, who secured the overall classification.
UAE Team ADQ placed two riders in the stage top 10 (Blasi 2nd, Erica Magnaldi 9th) and two in the final GC top 10 (Blasi 4th, Magnaldi 10th).
Already winner of the opening uphill time trial on Friday, Paula Blasi confirmed herself as one of the stars of this edition, claiming both the Best Young Rider classification (white jersey) and the Points classification (orange jersey).
A remarkable overall performance that highlights the team’s strength, growth, and determination, racing as true protagonists from start to finish.
Paula Blasi said: “From the very first day the team was fully committed to achieving our goals, and we immediately started off with my victory. We all truly believed in it and worked together to bring home the best possible result. For me, it was the first time taking on a leadership role in such an important stage race, so I was a bit scared and definitely felt some pressure, but I think we raced really well, we were always in the thick of the action, and that was really special. Even today it was fantastic to be up there in the decisive moment. When we caught the breakaway, all the girls put themselves at my service: Silvia Persico did an amazing descent and perfectly launched both me and Erica Magnaldi into the climb. Then in the finale I did what I could, and I’m happy to have still achieved a positive result for myself and for the team.”
(ph. Getty Sport)
