Usoa Ostolaza climbs onto Vuelta a Burgos Féminas podium with comeback ride up Lagunas de Neila climb

Usoa Ostolaza delivered a remarkable performance on the final stage of the Vuelta a Burgos Féminas, securing third place both on the stage and overall. Despite initially losing contact with the leading group on the steepest section of the Lagunas de Neila climb, the Basque rider mounted an impressive comeback to overtake her rivals and claim a podium spot behind Yara Kastelijn and Évita Muzic. This result marked a significant milestone for Ostolaza’s team, Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi, as their first-ever podium finish in a WorldTour stage race. Ostolaza’s journey to this achievement is notable given her background and recent form. Originally a triathlete, she transitioned to road cycling in 2020 following an injury and has steadily risen through the ranks since joining Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi in 2021. Coming into the Vuelta a Burgos Féminas, she had already shown strong form with a fourth-place overall finish at the Vuelta Femenina and seventh at the Itzulia Women. The Lagunas de Neila climb, known for its difficulty, played to her strengths as a climber, although she admitted struggling to find her rhythm during the decisive moments of the race. The final climb saw Ostolaza initially drop back from the leading group, but she found a second wind and launched a solo attack near the finish. Her determination and resilience allowed her to break away from the chasing group and secure a crucial podium finish, which she described as a testament to the support and confidence of her teammates and staff. This performance not only highlighted her physical capabilities but also her mental toughness in overcoming adversity during the race. Looking ahead, Ostolaza plans to take a short break before preparing for the summer racing season, where she aims to defend her overall victories at the Tour Pyrénées. Her recent string of strong results, including a win at the GP Ciudad de Eibar, has built momentum for her and her team. With the Tour de France Femmes as a major target, Ostolaza’s progress signals her growing prominence in women’s WorldTour racing and the potential for further successes in the coming months.