UAE Team ADQ made a strong start to La Vuelta España Femenina, placing two riders inside the top 10 on Stage 1 and celebrating the first leader’s jersey of the race thanks to Maeva Squiban, who claimed the Queen of the Mountains classification.
The opening stage covered 113.9 kilometres from Marín to Salvaterra de Miño, with a demanding uphill finish in the final 700 metres. On the decisive ramp, French rider Maeva Squiban delivered an impressive performance to finish fifth, while teammate Karlijn Swinkels crossed the line just behind in sixth place, securing a double top-10 result for the team.
The day was made even more challenging by persistent rain, nervous racing conditions, and several crashes throughout the stage. UAE Team ADQ successfully navigated the difficult circumstances, with all riders avoiding incidents and staying well-positioned together in the crucial finale.
A key role in the team’s strong finish was played by Italian rider Erica Magnaldi, who produced a remarkable effort at the front of the peloton in the final kilometres. Her work helped keep the team organised and perfectly placed ahead of the decisive climb to the line.
Earlier in the stage, Squiban was active in the mountains classification, collecting points on both categorized climbs of the day. Her consistency and attacking attitude earned her enough points to move into the lead of the Queen of the Mountains standings, allowing her to step onto the podium after the stage to receive the polka dot jersey.
The uphill sprint for victory was won by Swiss rider Noemi Rüegg of EF Education-Oatly, ahead of Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx – Protime) and Franziska Koch (FDJ United – SUEZ).
With a promising start now in the books, UAE Team ADQ looks ahead to Stage 2, a 109.8-kilometre route from Lobios to San Cibrao das Viñas.
(ph. Getty Sport)
