The 2026 La Vuelta Femenina has been a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the rise of new stars, the return of a legend, and a shift in focus within the peloton. Here's a deep dive into five key takeaways from this year's race, each accompanied by heavy personal commentary and analysis.
1. Paula Blasi: A Rising Star in the Making
What makes this particularly fascinating is the meteoric rise of Paula Blasi, a 23-year-old Spaniard who has gone from relative obscurity to becoming a force to be reckoned with in just a few months. Blasi's performance in the Vuelta Femenina is a testament to her talent and determination. She won three 1.1-ranked events last season, but her true breakthrough came in 2026. Blasi's victory in the mountains classification and her third overall finish in the Santos Tour Down Under set the stage for her big break. The Amstel Gold Race in April further solidified her status as a rising star, as she bested some of the sport's biggest names. However, it was her performance in the Vuelta Femenina that truly cemented her place in the elite.
Blasi's second-place finish on Friday's mountain stage and her subsequent leap to first overall on Saturday's summit finish of l'Angliru were nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to stay focused and calm under pressure, coupled with her strategic pacing, allowed her to overcome Anna van der Breggen and claim the red jersey. Blasi's words after the race, expressing her disbelief and joy, capture the essence of her achievement. This victory not only signifies her individual success but also opens doors for future opportunities, potentially leading to a more prominent role in the sport.
2. Anna van der Breggen: A Resilient Comeback
In my opinion, Anna van der Breggen's comeback story is one of the most inspiring aspects of the race. Van der Breggen, a 36-year-old veteran, had retired from professional cycling at the end of 2021 but made a stunning announcement in 2025. Her return to the sport, marked by a stage win atop Les Praeres. Nava, was a testament to her enduring talent and determination. Van der Breggen's ability to dominate the race without relying on tactics showcased her exceptional riding skills and mental fortitude.
However, the Vuelta Femenina presented a different challenge. Despite her stage win and initial lead in the red jersey, Van der Breggen struggled on the final day, losing contact with Blasi four kilometers from the finish. Her disappointment is palpable, but her resilience shines through. Van der Breggen's acknowledgment of her performance gap and her focus on building confidence for future races demonstrate her commitment to continuous improvement. The possibility of her competing in the Tour de France Femmes adds another layer of intrigue to her comeback story.
3. Ferrand Prévot: A Work in Progress
What many people don't realize is that Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's performance in the Vuelta Femenina was a stark contrast to her previous dominance in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Ferrand-Prévot's struggles in the mountains, particularly on the Angliru, raised concerns among fans and observers alike. Her 22nd place on the first mountain stage and subsequent 13:42 time loss on the Angliru led to a disappointing 35th overall finish.
Ferrand-Prévot's director sportif, Jos van Emden, was equally frustrated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong performance in the classification. The comparison between her current season and the previous one is intriguing, as she won Paris-Roubaix and finished second in the Tour of Flanders in 2025. However, her results this spring have been more modest, with a seventh place finish in Flèche Wallonne. The challenge of transitioning from off-road competition to road racing may have played a role in her performance.
With time to improve before the Tour de France Femmes, Ferrand-Prévot has the opportunity to regain her 2025 form. Her determination and past success give her the confidence to believe in another Tour win. The key will be in addressing her weaknesses and finding her rhythm in the upcoming months.
4. Kasia Niewiadoma: Paying the Price for a Crash
One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of a crash on Kasia Niewiadoma's performance in the Vuelta Femenina. Niewiadoma, a top climber, struggled on the steep climbs, particularly on Friday's summit finish, where she was dropped and finished tenth. Her disappointment is evident in her words, acknowledging the physical and mental toll of the climb.
Niewiadoma's crash in Milan-San Remo, which sidelined her for almost a month, may have contributed to her struggles in the race. The significant gap of 3:09 behind Blasi highlights the impact of her absence on her overall performance. However, it's important to note that her eighth overall finish in the Vuelta, despite the crash, marks an improvement from her previous year's performance.
Niewiadoma's resilience and her ability to bounce back from setbacks are commendable. Her focus on shorter climbs in the Ardennes Classics and her second-place finish in the Amstel Gold Race demonstrate her adaptability. As she prepares for the Tour de France Femmes, where Ferrand-Prévot will be a key rival, Niewiadoma's ability to overcome challenges will be crucial to her success.
5. Lotte Kopecky: Embracing a New Approach
If you take a step back and think about it, Lotte Kopecky's journey in the Vuelta Femenina is a fascinating study in adaptability. Kopecky, a former world champion, faced frustration in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, finishing 45th overall. Her struggles were attributed to her efforts to lose body fat, which led to a calorie deficit and fluid retention.
This spring, Kopecky made a strategic shift, focusing on races and disciplines that suited her natural physique. Her victories in Nokere Koerse and Milan-San Remo, along with her fourth-place finishes in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, demonstrate the effectiveness of her new approach. Kopecky's satisfaction with securing the green jersey and her team's performance in the Vuelta further emphasize her success.
Kopecky's ability to embrace change and adapt her training methods is a testament to her professionalism and dedication. Her performance in the Vuelta Femenina not only showcases her individual growth but also inspires other riders to explore new strategies. As she continues to evolve, Kopecky's impact on the sport is likely to be significant.
