Femke Gerritse has made headlines in the cycling world by winning the third stage of La Vuelta Femenina, held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from Barbastro to Huesca. The 132.4-kilometer stage, characterized by its hilly terrain, culminated in an electrifying mass sprint where Gerritse triumphed over renowned cyclist Marianne Vos. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for the 23-year-old from Rosmalen but also sees her taking over the leader's jersey from Italian Letizia Paternoster.
After an impressive showing on Monday, May 5, when Vos secured the second stage victory, the anticipation was high for the third stage. Gerritse, however, had her own plans. "It’s crazy," she exclaimed in a post-race interview, her smile wide as she reflected on her unexpected win. "I really didn’t expect this today." Gerritse demonstrated her prowess by clinching the intermediate sprint earlier in the race, a crucial moment that boosted her confidence heading into the final sprint.
The stage itself was anything but straightforward. Gerritse described it as a "chaotic stage," filled with twisty and turny sections, wet conditions, and challenging up-and-down terrain. The wind played a significant role, making it difficult for riders to form echelons, which could have split the peloton. "The first part was twisty and turny, wet, and also up and down. The wind was really strong, but I don’t think it was coming from the right direction. It was more against us than for us," she noted.
In the final moments leading up to the sprint, Gerritse received excellent support from her teammates Anna van der Breggen and Mischa Bredewold. "I had a really, really perfect lead-out, so I’m very thankful to my team," Gerritse said, expressing her gratitude after the race. With about two kilometers to go, her team took control, allowing her to stay calm and poised as they approached the finish line.
Despite her impressive victory, Vos, who has been a dominant figure in women's cycling, acknowledged Gerritse’s speed. "Of course, you always want more, but Femke was the fastest today," Vos stated on her team's website. She reflected on the challenges faced during the stage, mentioning the side winds that made it difficult to maintain a strong position. "After yesterday, we knew it would be another hectic day. We tried to create some chaos, but we couldn’t force a split," she added.
As the race progresses, Vos remains a formidable competitor, retaining her lead in the points classification. She will don the green jersey as she heads into the next stage, which promises to be a hilly challenge. "It can go in any direction," Vos said, looking ahead to the upcoming mountain stage from Pedrola to Borja. The profile of this stage suggests it could be a battleground for classification riders, and Vos is prepared for the fight.
The Vuelta Femenina, now in its eleventh edition, kicked off on May 4, 2025, in Barcelona and spans seven stages across various terrains from the eastern coast of Spain through the Aragon region to Asturias. The final stage is expected to be particularly grueling, covering over 150 kilometers with an elevation gain of 2500 meters, marking it as one of the toughest in the event's history.
Gerritse's victory in Huesca is not just a personal achievement but also a significant moment for her team, SD Worx-Protime, which has been making waves in women's cycling. This win also elevates her standing in the general classification, where she now leads Vos by a mere twelve seconds, with Paternoster trailing closely behind, also twelve seconds off the pace.
The excitement in the peloton is palpable as riders prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. With the next stage promising steep climbs and the potential for tactical battles, fans are eagerly anticipating how the competition will unfold. Will Gerritse maintain her lead, or will Vos and Paternoster mount a comeback? The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown in the coming days.
In conclusion, Femke Gerritse's stunning performance in the third stage of La Vuelta Femenina not only highlights her talent but also signifies a shifting dynamic in women's cycling, where emerging stars are ready to challenge established legends. As the race continues, all eyes will be on Gerritse to see if she can hold onto her lead and secure her place among the sport's elite.
