UAE Team ADQ kicked off the Itzulia Women with a solid team performance, placing two riders in the top 10 of the opening stage. Paula Blasi and Karlijn Swinkels finished 4th and 6th respectively at the end of the 148.5 km route from Zumarraga to Agurain.
It was an eventful day from the very start. The peloton faced an aggressive race with several breakaway attempts. First, a group of three riders gained some ground, only to be reeled back in. Shortly after, two more riders attacked, but the bunch kept everything under control.
Our riders – Paula Blasi, Karlijn Swinkels, Greta Marturano, Erica Magnaldi, and Alena Ivanchenko — stayed well-positioned and protected throughout the stage. In the final kilometers, the team worked together to set up the sprint, helping our fastest finishers secure their spots in the top 10.
A promising start to the Spanish stage race!
(ph. Getty Sport)
