'It was a weird day' - Vollering wins as Setmana Valenciana nearly stalls

Stage 1 of Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana, a 121 kilometre loop from and to Gandia, was meant to be a straightforward early season test with three classified ascents and the Alto de Barx cresting roughly fifteen kilometres from the line. 

Instead it began with uncertainty. Strong wind gusts ripped through the start area and the peloton found itself debating whether racing was responsible at all.

Riders discussed the conditions before the start and, after a vote, decided to race. Vollering was among those pushing for the stage to go ahead, arguing for a normal race day despite the nervousness around the weather. 

“The wind was strong, and we were worried about the gusts,” she said in the flash interview. “In the end it wasn’t strong enough to really cause problems. But nobody wanted to go in the break, and we didn’t make echelons either. It stayed together, and then it was time to climb.”

“I’m really happy I could finish off the team’s good work. It was a weird day, but I’m glad we finally got to race.”

FDJ United-SUEZ kept things under control heading into the final ascent. With around twenty kilometres to go, on the slopes of the Alto de Barx, Vollering made her move. Only Antonia Niedermaier managed to hold her wheel at first. The German stayed there for a while, but the pace was relentless. Eventually she had to let go, and Vollering rode clear alone over the top.

From there, it was a solitary run to the line. The chasing groups reorganised behind, but the gap held steady and Vollering never looked back.

“It’s nice to be back,” she said. “I’m really happy I could finish the good work from the team. You make a plan, but it never goes completely according to plan. Everyone did what they had to do. We can be proud.”

She was quick to downplay the idea that it was a simple repeat of last year’s winning formula on the same climb.

“You can’t just copy and paste it,” she said. “You need your teammates in the right position at the right moment. That takes commitment from them. They did a great job, and I’m very thankful.”

Tomorrow, the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana continues with a largely flat 115.5 kilometre loop starting and finishing in Vila Real.