FDJ United-Suez settle with Dickson on GC podium at Itzulia Women but far from final stage situation with strength in numbers

FDJ United-Suez entered the final stage of the Itzulia Women with a strong presence, boasting three riders in a leading group of seven on the crucial Mendizorrotz climb. The team faced a strategic dilemma: whether to back Lauren Dickson, a Women’s WorldTour rookie with a promising general classification (GC) position, or to pursue a stage win, which had eluded them throughout the race. Despite their advantageous numbers, the squad was unable to capitalise fully, with Dickson finishing third overall and Dominika Włodarczyk of UAE Team ADQ taking the stage victory. Lauren Dickson had surprised many by outperforming her more experienced teammates Évita Muzic and Juliette Berthet early in the race, entering the final stage in fourth place overall and ahead of both French riders. However, the race dynamics proved challenging, especially against Mischa Bredewold of SD Worx-Protime, who held the yellow jersey and demonstrated the difficulty of balancing GC ambitions with stage win efforts. Bredewold’s strong descent and tactical nous allowed her to regain contact with the leading group after being dropped on the climb, ultimately securing overall victory. The race’s decisive moments highlighted FDJ United-Suez’s missed opportunities. With three riders in the front group, the team could have controlled the pace to maintain or extend their advantage over Bredewold on the descent, but they failed to do so. This lack of cohesion allowed Bredewold to close the gap and defend her lead, while the team’s attacks on the flat final kilometres were neutralised by rivals, notably Antonia Niedermaier, who was instrumental in closing down breakaways. Despite the setbacks, Dickson’s performance was notable, as she repeatedly attacked on the climb and showed strong sprinting ability by finishing ahead of key rivals. The team’s mixed approach, attempting to juggle both GC and stage ambitions, ultimately cost them a more decisive result. Moving forward, FDJ United-Suez may need to clarify their tactical priorities in stage races to maximise their strengths and convert promising positions into victories.