Paula Blasi delivered another outstanding performance today, dominating Stage 2 of the CIC-Tour Féminin des Pyrénées with a remarkable solo victory after a long-range attack on the slopes of the Col du Tourmalet. It was a perfect day for UAE Team ADQ, completed by Dominika Włodarczyk‘s second place after winning the sprint from the chasing group.
The 94.9-kilometre stage from Arrens-Marsous to Bagnères-de-Bigorre once again saw the Emirati team take control of the race. Earlier in the day, Federica Venturelli, runner-up in yesterday’s opening stage, collected valuable points in the intermediate sprints and moved into the lead of the points classification.
The race was decided on the legendary Tourmalet climb. The 23-year-old Catalan rider launched a bold attack and steadily increased her advantage over the chasers, eventually building a lead of almost two minutes.
Behind her, Dominika Włodarczyk expertly managed the chase group. The Polish rider crested the climb in second place and attempted to extend her advantage on the descent, but was eventually rejoined by four other riders. In the sprint for second place, however, Włodarczyk proved strongest, comfortably winning the dash to the line and finishing 1:59 behind her teammate.
As a result of her impressive victory, Paula Blasi now leads the overall classification by 1:59 over teammate Włodarczyk and the rest of the closest contenders. The Spanish rider also takes over the lead of the mountains classification.
Paula Blasi said: “It wasn’t really the plan to go on a solo attack from that far out. Dominika and I knew we were among the strongest climbers in the group and we started the stage believing we could both play our cards and fight for a great result. The pace at the front wasn’t particularly high, so I decided to attack even though there were still around 60 kilometres to go. I expected a series of counterattacks and reactions from the other riders, but nobody responded. At that point I realised it was time to commit, and I’m really happy that it ended with such a great victory. Tomorrow won’t be easy. It’s a very interesting stage and I’m sure Dominika and I will enjoy racing together again as we try to achieve the best possible result.”
The CIC-Tour Féminin des Pyrénées will conclude tomorrow with the third and final stage, a demanding 114.4-kilometre route from Nay to Jurançon. Featuring eight third-category climbs, the stage promises another exciting battle for the overall classification.
(ph. Pascal Gantié)
