Spanish cyclist Paula Blasi produced the biggest victory of her career after winning the Vuelta a España Femenina and securing her maiden Grand Tour title in dramatic fashion.
The 23-year-old UAE Team ADQ rider began the final stage in second place overall behind Dutch veteran Anna van der Breggen, but completely transformed the race on the brutal final climb to L’Angliru.
Van der Breggen, a four-time Giro d’Italia winner, struggled on the punishing ascent featuring gradients as steep as 23%, allowing Blasi to surge ahead and seize control of the general classification.
Although Swiss rider Petra Stiasny won the final stage, Blasi crossed the line in second place — more than enough to seal an emotional overall triumph.
Rapid Rise To The Top
Blasi’s victory marks another incredible milestone in what has been a stunning breakthrough season for the young Spaniard.
Earlier this year, she claimed her first major one-day title at the Amstel Gold Race and also impressed at prestigious classics such as La Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège.
Remarkably, Blasi only began competitive cycling in 2024 after an injury ended her athletics career.
“If someone had told me before that I would win the Vuelta, I would think you were joking,” Blasi said after her historic success.
L’Angliru Decides The Race
The decisive moment arrived with four kilometres remaining on the iconic L’Angliru climb, widely regarded as one of cycling’s toughest ascents.
French rider Marion Bunel launched an attack on the steep slopes, with Blasi responding immediately while Van der Breggen lost contact behind them.
“It was crazy,” Blasi admitted after the stage.
“The best thing I could do was not think about it. I just kept my pace, but then I saw Anna struggling and I said, ‘let’s go for it.’”
The climb made its debut appearance in the women’s Vuelta this year and immediately delivered one of the most dramatic title deciders in recent memory.
Final Podium Standings
Blasi finished the race in a total time of 22 hours, 17 minutes and 3 seconds.
Van der Breggen secured second place overall, 24 seconds behind the Spaniard, while Bunel completed the podium in third position.
The victory firmly establishes Blasi as one of women’s cycling’s brightest emerging stars and a serious contender for future Grand Tours.
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