Paula Blasi, a 23-year-old rider from Catalonia, claimed the most important victory of her career with a stunning solo win at the Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition. Karlijn Swinkels added a strong sixth place, capping off an outstanding day for UAE Team ADQ. This result marks one of the most significant victories in the team’s young history.
The 158.1 km race from Maastricht to Valkenburg was intense and nervous from the very beginning. All five UAE Team ADQ riders stayed consistently at the front, actively shaping the race. Silvia Persico, Mavi Garcia, Karlijn Swinkels and Eleonora Gasparrini worked seamlessly together, covering attacks and keeping the team in contention throughout.
The decisive move came just over 20 kilometres from the finish, before the penultimate ascent of the Cauberg. It was there that Paula Blasi launched her attack. Initially joined by Nienke Vinke (Team SD Worx – Protime), the Spanish rider soon made the difference, going clear alone and committing to her solo effort.
Blasi steadily increased her advantage, opening a gap of over one minute on the chasing group. Her ride turned into a triumphant solo effort as she crossed the finish line in Valkenburg with arms raised, almost in disbelief at the magnitude of her victory. Kasia Niewiadoma (CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto) finished second at 27 seconds, ahead of Demi Vollering (FDJ United – SUEZ). The main peloton arrived 43 seconds later, with Karlijn Swinkels securing sixth place.
After the race, Paula Blasi said: “I think this is the most beautiful race of my life, so I’m really happy with this victory. So many things happened today. The pace was incredibly high and the race was really chaotic, with constant accelerations. I didn’t know this race well and at one point I was struggling, I even apologised to my teammates. But they helped me so much, telling me to stay calm and keep position at the front with them. Communication was really good within the team. I tried to give my best to stay there, and then I was brave – and also a bit lucky – to choose the right moment to attack. From there, I just believed until the end, without thinking about anything else except going as fast as possible. It was a crazy day.”
(ph. Getty Sport)
