In her first seasonal appearance with the FDJ Suez jersey, Demi Vollering immediately showcases her class by winning solo in the first stage of the Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana. The 28-year-old from the Netherlands crossed the finish line in Gandia with raised arms, 23" ahead of Marlene Reusser (Movistar) and Anna Van der Breggen (SD Worx Protime), who is returning to racing after several seasons as a team technical director. Elisa Balsamo finished fourth, leading the peloton.

THE RACE - At the twelfth kilometer, Marina Garau launched a breakaway pursued for several kilometers by Mariana Líbano of Eneicat – CMTeam, who however failed to make the connection and was caught by the peloton.

The leader, defending the colors of BePink - Imatra – Bongioanni and already protagonist of a long breakaway in the Trofeo Marratxi on January 25th, crested first at the top of Alto de Serra Grossa, the day's first difficulty, but was soon caught by the group led by Movistar and Liv Alula Jayco.

The peloton remained compact for a considerable time and arrived at the Barxeta Intermediate Sprint where Mischa Bredewold (Team SD Worx – Protime) beat Liane Lippert (Movistar Team) and Demi Vollering (FDJ – SUEZ). Immediately after the intermediate sprint, which also awarded bonifications for the general classification, the road began to climb again and the caravan headed towards Alto de Barxeta.

The second mountain grand prix of the stage was won by Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck) who then "threw herself" downhill followed by the rest of the competitors. On the following flat section, FDJ Suez, Movistar and Lidl Trek set a sustained pace, making a selection and significantly reducing the group.

On the slopes of Alto de Barx, Demi Vollering asked her FDJ Suez teammates for an additional effort and then, with twenty kilometers to go, attacked, dropping all her rivals except Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx Protime). Marlen Reusser (Movistar Team), winner of the 2024 Setmana Valenciana, joined the chase of the two talented Dutch riders.

Eighteen kilometers from the finish, Vollering dropped Van der Breggen, cresting with about fifty seconds on her pursuers.

To be updated

FINISH ORDER