The next generation of stage racers and GC challengers – Young and rising riders to watch at La Vuelta Femenina

As the women’s stage racing season gets underway with La Vuelta Femenina, attention is turning to a promising new generation of riders poised to challenge the established elite. While the women’s Grand Tours have long been dominated by a handful of top names such as Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini, this year’s race presents an opportunity for emerging talents to make their mark. The event is shaping up as a key platform for young climbers and general classification hopefuls to demonstrate their potential in multi-day racing, especially given the absence of some top stars, which opens up the competition. Among the standout riders to watch is Spain’s Usoa Ostolaza, who has quietly built a reputation as a formidable climber and GC contender on the lower-tier circuit. Despite strong performances in races like the Tour des Pyrénées and near top-ten finishes in both the Vuelta and Giro d’Italia Women, Ostolaza has yet to break through at the highest level. Racing with the ProTeam Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi, which has improved significantly this season, she arrives at La Vuelta Femenina with strong support and a genuine chance to claim a stage win or a top-ten overall placing. Valentina Cavallar, recently transferred to SD Worx-Protime, is another rider expected to shine in the mountainous terrain of the Vuelta. Known for her climbing prowess, Cavallar’s strengths suit the race’s demanding final mountain stages, though she has yet to secure a major victory. Her role may be as a leader or a key support rider for teammates such as Anna van der Breggen, but the race offers her a valuable opportunity to establish herself as a future GC contender in women’s stage racing. Paula Blasi, who has already made headlines with her win at the Amstel Gold Race and strong showings in the Ardennes Classics, will be tested over the longer and tougher climbs of the Vuelta. At just 23, Blasi has shown promise as a GC rider, highlighted by her uphill time trial victory at the Tour de Romandie and a solid sixth place at the mountainous Tour de l’Avenir. Alongside Mavi Garcia, Blasi could spearhead UAE Team ADQ’s ambitions for success in Spain, signalling a potential breakthrough in her stage racing credentials. Other young talents like Sarah Van Dam also have the chance to translate their one-day race form into consistent performances across multiple stages. With the Vuelta Femenina serving as a proving ground for these rising stars, the race is set to reveal the next generation of female stage racers who will shape the future of the sport. As the season progresses, these riders could well emerge as serious GC challengers and key figures in women’s professional cycling.