As it happened: Swiss star delivers explosive victory after hectic run-in on stage 1 of La Vuelta Femenina

Swiss rider Noemi Rüegg claimed a stunning victory on the opening stage of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina, showcasing her sprinting prowess on a challenging uphill finish. The race, marked by wet and slippery conditions, culminated in a tense final kilometre where Rüegg surged ahead of former world champion Lotte Kopecky and Franzi Koch to take the win and the first leader’s red jersey. Her triumph was a testament to both her individual strength and the cohesive effort of her team, who controlled the race from the outset. Rüegg expressed her disbelief and joy after the stage, emphasising the importance of her team’s belief and support in securing the victory. She described the finish as perfectly suited to her abilities and highlighted the confidence the win instils in the squad moving forward. The Swiss rider’s performance also saw her take the lead in the overall and points classifications, while Maëva Squiban earned the polka dot jersey for the Queen of the Mountains competition, and Eleonora Ciabocco was recognised as the most combative rider of the day. The stage was not without drama, as a late crash disrupted the peloton and notably affected veteran Marianne Vos, who ended up in a ditch but still managed an impressive seventh-place finish. Vos’s resilience was a highlight amid the chaos, underlining her experience and determination despite the setback. Meanwhile, EF Education-Oatly adapted their tactics mid-race to respond to the conditions and rider form, ultimately delivering a strong team performance. Looking ahead, the race moves into its second stage with sprinters expected to feature prominently as the peloton tackles a route from Lobios to San Cibrao das Viñas. Questions remain over whether Rüegg can maintain her overall lead and how other contenders, including Vos and Kopecky, will respond in the coming days. The opening day’s excitement sets a compelling tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested La Vuelta Femenina.