Vuelta Femenina: Anna van der Breggen routs rivals on steep slopes of Les Praeres for stage 6 victory and moves into GC lead

Anna van der Breggen delivered a commanding performance on stage 6 of the Vuelta Femenina, conquering the punishing summit finish at Les Praeres to claim both the stage victory and the overall race lead. The SD Worx-Protime rider powered up the steep climb, which featured gradients reaching 27%, distancing herself from key rivals Paula Blasi of UAE Team ADQ and Marion Bunel from Visma-Lease a Bike, who completed the podium. Van der Breggen’s decisive move came after a brief attack from Cédrine Kerbaol, but once the pace was set on the brutal slopes, she left her competitors behind, crossing the line eight seconds ahead of Blasi. The climb to Les Praeres proved to be a defining moment in the race, with riders struggling to maintain contact on the relentless gradients. Van der Breggen’s ability to sustain a strong tempo on such a demanding ascent demonstrated her climbing prowess and tactical acumen. Despite feeling the effects of a crash from the previous day, she gradually found her rhythm and confidence, ultimately delivering a performance that propelled her from fourth in the general classification to the race leader. Blasi and Bunel fought valiantly but were unable to match Van der Breggen’s pace in the final kilometres. Reflecting on her victory, Van der Breggen described the climb as unlike any she had encountered before, emphasising the importance of pacing on such a steep and challenging route. She credited her teammates for their support throughout the stage, which helped her overcome early discomfort and deliver a winning ride. Looking ahead, she acknowledged the greater challenges to come, noting that the following stages would feature even longer climbs, signalling that the battle for the overall title remains wide open. Van der Breggen’s triumph at Les Praeres not only reshapes the general classification but also adds a dramatic twist to the Vuelta Femenina’s narrative as the race heads into its final phases. Her ascent to the leader’s jersey underscores her status as a formidable contender and sets the stage for a thrilling contest among the top riders. With the race still unfolding, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see how Van der Breggen and her rivals respond to the demanding terrain and tactical battles that lie ahead.