The 2026 La Vuelta Femenina has been a spectacle of cycling, with a new star emerging, a familiar face returning, and a shift in focus. Here's a deep dive into the key takeaways from this year's race, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
A New Star is Born
Paula Blasi is the talk of the town, and for good reason. The 23-year-old Spaniard has had a season to remember, riding at a significantly higher level than before and surprising both those following the sport and herself. Blasi won three 1.1-ranked events last season, but it's been her performances this year that have truly solidified her status as a future star. From taking third overall in the Santos Tour Down Under to winning the mountains classification, Blasi has shown she's a force to be reckoned with. But it was her performance in the Vuelta Femenina that truly cemented her place in the spotlight. Blasi's second place on Friday's mountain stage and subsequent leap to first overall on Saturday's summit finish of l'Angliru were a testament to her talent and determination. In my opinion, Blasi's rise is a fascinating development, and I can't wait to see how she continues to evolve as a rider. Her ability to step up her game and surprise even herself is a true testament to her dedication and skill.
Anna van der Breggen is Back, but Not Quite at Her Best
Anna van der Breggen's return to the sport has been a heartwarming sight for fans. Her stage win atop Les Praeres, Nava was a reminder of her past domination, and her comeback has been nothing short of impressive. However, the race didn't go her way as expected, and she was gutted to slip out of the red jersey on Saturday. Van der Breggen's performance on Friday, where she dug deep to triumph, may have taken a toll on her, and it's clear that she's still finding her footing after her retirement and comeback. Despite not getting the GC win she was craving, I believe van der Breggen can build on this and shine, perhaps in the Tour de France Femmes. Her experience and determination make her a force to be reckoned with, and I'm excited to see how she continues to evolve and adapt to the demands of the sport.
Ferrand Prévot's Struggles
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's performance in the Vuelta Femenina has been a cause for concern for her fans. Last year, she dominated the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, but this year, she's struggled to find her footing. Her mostly anonymous showing in the mountains and subsequent withdrawal from the race raise questions about her form and preparation. Ferrand-Prévot's directeur sportif, Jos van Emden, was also frustrated, and it's clear that she has a lot of work to do to return to her 2025 summer form. With nearly three full months to go to the Tour de France Femmes, Prévot has time to improve, but it will take a lot of effort and dedication to get back to her previous level. I believe that Prévot has the talent and determination to make a comeback, and I'm hopeful that she'll be able to find her rhythm and shine again.
Niewiadoma Still Paying for Cipressa Fall
Kasia Niewiadoma's performance in the Vuelta Femenina has been a reminder of her climbing prowess, but it hasn't been enough to secure a top-three finish. Her tenth-place finish on Friday's summit finish and subsequent 2:16 gap to stage winner Petra Stiasny were a disappointment, but it's clear that she's still paying for her crash in Milan-San Remo. Niewiadoma's performance in the Ardennes Classics, where she placed second in the Amstel Gold Race and third in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, was a positive sign, but it's clear that she's still struggling to find her footing in the longer climbs. I believe that Niewiadoma has the talent and determination to make a comeback, and I'm hopeful that she'll be able to find her rhythm and shine again. Her eighth overall finish in the Vuelta Femenina is a step in the right direction, and I'm excited to see how she continues to evolve and adapt to the demands of the sport.
Lotte Kopecky's Old Approach
Lotte Kopecky's approach to racing has evolved, and her performance in the Vuelta Femenina has been a testament to her adaptability. After a frustrating Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, where she finished 45th overall, Kopecky has changed her approach and focused on races and disciplines that suit her natural physique. Her win at Nokere Koerse and Milan-San Remo, as well as her fourth-place finishes in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, have been a positive sign. Kopecky's performance in the Vuelta Femenina, where she secured the green jersey and second place in the overall classification, has been a reminder of her talent and determination. I believe that Kopecky has found her rhythm and is ready to shine again. Her ability to adapt her approach and find success is a true testament to her skill and dedication.
