Race report | 15 February, 16:00

Chladoňová and Nooijen secure youth and mountain jersey in final stage Setmana Ciclista Valenciana

Name: Team Visma | Lease a Bike
Price range: $

Viktória Chladoňová and Lieke Nooijen have secured their leading positions in the youth and mountains classifications of the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. In the final stage of the Spanish race, Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women was unable to contest the stage win, which went to Demi Vollering. Chladoňová finished fifth overall in the general classification. In addition to the mountains and youth jerseys, Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women also claimed victory in the team classification.

News

The 117-kilometer final stage took place between Sagunto and Valencia. After an opening section over rolling roads, the riders faced the day’s only categorized climb in the finale. Thanks to her third place in the general classification, Chladoňová started the stage as leader of the youth classification. Teammate Nooijen led the mountains classification. Saturday’s demanding third stage was canceled due to strong wind gusts in the region.

It took some time for a breakaway to form. Eventually, four riders managed to build a solid advantage. Heading toward the foot of the Alt de l'Oronet, the day’s only climb, their lead quickly diminished. On the Alt de l'Oronet, race leader Vollering launched a strong acceleration. Only four riders were able to follow her pace. The riders of Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women ultimately managed to limit their losses. Chladoňová finished fifth in the final general classification. The team returns home with the mountains and youth jerseys, as well as the team classification victory.

"We expected a bunch sprint today, but it still turned into a battle for the GC"

Viktória Chladoňová

Chladoňová responded proudly afterward: “We expected a bunch sprint today, but it still turned into a battle for the general classification. I did everything I could to defend my third place overall, but my rivals were just a bit stronger today. It’s fantastic that we won the two jerseys and the team classification. Winning the white jersey was one of our goals. It’s great that we achieved that. It shows how hard everyone works. Fifth place in the final general classification is a result I will absolutely carry that with me into the future.”

Sports director Joppe de Heij added: “We weren’t ideally positioned for the climb, where the strongest riders in the race broke away. The team did everything possible to bring Viktória back to the front group, but in the end they fell short by less than twenty seconds. It’s unfortunate that we missed out on a podium spot, but it’s impressive how we showed ourselves as a team. Winning the two jerseys and the team classification is a great reward. We can look back with satisfaction on these four days.”