The sixth edition of the Volta a Catalunya Femenina got underway with a 114-kilometre stage between El Perelló and Reus. After a rolling opening section, the most demanding part of the route came in the second half of the stage. Partly due to the heat, the pace remained relatively steady during the first hour. The peloton then approached the day’s first climb as a group.  

On the Coll de Porrera, Van Agt reacted swiftly to an attack by Chabbey. Around ten riders managed to gain a small lead, though the peloton never allowed them to get far ahead. Not long after, Demi Vollering bridged across and kept the tempo high. Only Chabbey and Ana Santesteban were able to follow. In the chasing group, Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women had strength in numbers and worked to minimise the gap to the leading FDJ Suez duo.  

The trio of Chabbey, Vollering and Santesteban contested the stage victory. In the chasing group, De Vries launched an attack at a well-timed moment and eventually finished a minute and a half behind stage winner Chabbey.  

“I knew I needed to follow Vollering’s acceleration on the Coll de Porrera, but at that moment I just didn’t have the legs,” said De Vries. “I had to take a moment to recover, but shortly afterwards I decided to help set the pace in the chasing group together with the girls. Cooperation in that group wasn’t great, so Eva and I tried a few attacks. In the end, my late move turned out to be the right one. It hurt, but I’m pleased I managed to give it everything today.”  

Tomorrow brings a brutally tough second stage. The peloton faces just 72 kilometres, but with three tough climbs along the way. “We’ll see what’s possible in that tough stage tomorrow,” De Vries added. “I hope I can stay at the front as long as possible. Marion is also well placed in the general classification after today, so supporting her will be a goal as well.”