UAE Team ADQ got off to a strong start at the Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana thanks to an impressive second place by Maeva Squiban.
After 121 kilometres of racing in the opening stage, starting and finishing in Gandia, the French rider claimed second place behind Demi Vollering, who took a solo victory and became the race’s first overall leader.
The race was initially neutralised due to extremely strong winds, which even raised concerns about a possible cancellation. Once the racing resumed, the decisive moments came in the finale. The action ignited on the final climb of the Alto de Barx, where the top contenders made their moves. European champion Demi Vollering launched a powerful attack, distancing all her rivals.
Behind her, Maeva Squiban and Germany’s Antonia Niedermaier formed the first chasing group, attempting in vain to close the gap to the leader. In the final two kilometres, however, a small group bridged across to the two chasers. In the run-in to the finish, Squiban launched her sprint early and secured an excellent second place on the stage, moving up to second overall in the general classification.
A very positive result for the French rider, confirming her strong start to the season following her victory at her Mallorca debut a few weeks ago.
Stage 2 will take place tomorrow, a 115.5 km loop starting and finishing in Vila-Real.
(ph. Getty Sport)
