Three days after her impressive victory at the Amstel Gold Race, 23-year-old Catalan rider Paula Blasi confirmed her outstanding form with another major result, finishing third today at La Flèche Wallonne Femmes.
The 148.2 km race, starting in Huy and finishing atop the iconic Mur de Huy, once again saw UAE Team ADQ deliver a strong and well-executed team performance.
In the early stages, Italian rider Erica Magnaldi joined the breakaway, allowing her teammates to stay protected in the peloton. Later on, Magnaldi, together with Alena Amialiusik, Greta Marturano and Maeva Squiban, did an excellent job positioning Mavi García and Paula Blasi at the front in the crucial final kilometers.
The race exploded on the Côte de Cherave, where the pace set by FDJ-Suez reduced the lead group to just 16 riders, including Blasi and García for UAE Team ADQ.
As always, the Mur de Huy proved decisive. Mavi García, not having her best day, selflessly supported her young teammate, using her final energy to set her up for the decisive climb. Making her debut in the race, Paula Blasi delivered a mature performance, pacing herself perfectly and securing a brilliant third place behind Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez) and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck).
Paula Blasi said: “I really can’t complain about the past few days. I’m very happy again today, and the team rode a great race. Erica Magnaldi did a fantastic job getting into the breakaway so we didn’t have to chase, and then everyone worked hard to keep us in position. In the final, Greta Marturano and Maeva Squiban were crucial. Before the Mur, I spoke with Mavi – you know the great relationship we have – and she was very honest with me, giving her last energy to help me. I tried to manage my effort as best as possible and kept my pace when Vollering attacked – she was really strong today. Honestly, I didn’t expect to be on the podium, so I’m very happy.”
(ph. Getty Sport)
