SORAYA CHARGES TO THIRD IN STAGE TWO OF ITZULIA

Soraya Paladin powered to third place in a fast and flat drag race to the line on stage two of Itzulia Women, finishing behind Mischa Bredewold (SDW) and Liane Lippert (MOV). The result was made even sweeter after a chaotic stage one bunch sprint saw Soraya finish 12th; despite her strong finishing kick, the hectic nature of mass sprints isn’t often her favourite environment to unleash it.

Today’s shorter but tougher stage was more to the Italian’s liking, especially with a quick run-in to the finish. It’s her second podium in four days, signalling an arrival near top form with eyes on a big summer of racing ahead.

“I was quite happy that the speed was high because I think I felt, almost a kind of tailwind, and the road was going down. I also knew that this would make it hard for the breakaway to survive. I was trying to follow Mischa [Bredewold], which was really hectic. I was a bit boxed in for the last kilometres, but I found Rica [Bauernfeind], and she put me in a perfect position going into the last roundabout. Then, I just tried to do my best sprint. I’m happy and the team did good. We survived the day, achieved a podium, and I tried to improve my sprint.”

Today’s 112.6km stage from Ugao to Igorre was unabating from the get-go. The peloton faced a barrage of attacks and early climbs, including the Bikotxgane (3km at 9%) and Lamindao (2.4km at 9.9%), all within the first 40km. These efforts splintered the group and opened the door for an elite selection – Antonia Niedermaier was at the front alongside Vollering (TFS), García (LIV), Spratt (LDL), and Rooijakkers (LTK) at the summit of the major second ascent. The group then swelled to 25 riders, including Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, before trailing groups rejoined with just over 40km to go.

After a front-heavy start, the parcours eased into flatter sections along wide arterial roads that trace the intricate network of Basque Country valleys. Despite the softening in terrain, the aggression still remained. A trio of escapees led the race into the final 500 metres, but the script seemed set for a larger group to dash to the line.

Cecilie shared her thoughts on a stage that was rigorous, but not surprisingly so.

“It was a good day, but also a hard day. We knew that FDJ were going to put a hard pace on the two first climbs, and so they did. It split it already on the first climb and then again on the second climb. Luckily, Toni was there and I was just behind. Then it regrouped because St. Michel were in my group and they it chased back. Then, there were just attacks, attacks, attacks, attacks, attacks all day long. I felt we were pretty good at covering everything and had good team spirit. And then, coming into the final, we focused on putting Soraya in the best position to go for that. She delivered, so we’re happy.”

Itzulia Women nears its conclusion with the third and final stage in San Sebastián tomorrow. With the GC still wide open, the overall battle will heat up on tomorrow’s key climbs – the Jaizkibel (7.9 km at 5.5%) and the Mendizorrotz (6.4 km at 5.3%). CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto enter the day with Sorayafifth in the general classification, 18 seconds behind double stage winner Bredewold. Ricarda, Antonia and Cecilie all sit 21 seconds back, with Antonia holding fourth place in the youth classification.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Stage 3 | Sunday, May 18 | Ibaeta – Donostia/ San Sebastian | 112.6km | 1815m elevation | Start: 10:07 – fastest finish: 13:20.

Live coverage starts at 12:00 CET on Eurosport, Discovery+, TNT Sports, and EITB. Stay updated on X via #ItzuliaWomen2025, and follow CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto’s social channels for the latest team updates.