On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Femke Gerritse claimed victory in the third stage of the Vuelta for women, marking a significant achievement in her cycling career. The rider from SD Worx not only won the stage but also seized the overall lead in the race, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.
Gerritse's triumph came after a thrilling sprint finish in Huesca, where she outpaced the legendary Marianne Vos, who finished in second place. Gerritse's victory was unexpected, as she expressed in her post-race interview, stating, "This is so crazy. I really didn't expect this today. This was the perfect day." Her excitement was palpable as she reflected on the race, highlighting her strong performance in the bonus seconds earlier in the stage.
The stage was marked by a chaotic atmosphere, with a breakaway group, including Maaike Coljé, being caught due to echelon formations. Gerritse, however, remained composed throughout the turmoil. "The first part was twisty and turny, wet and also hilly. The wind was blowing hard, but I think it was more against us than for us," she recalled. Despite the challenging conditions, Gerritse managed to secure bonus seconds during the intermediate sprint, boosting her overall standing.
As the race progressed, Gerritse's teammates Anna van der Breggen and Mischa Bredewold played pivotal roles in setting up the perfect leadout for her. Gerritse described the final moments leading to her victory: "In the finale, my teammates really gave the perfect lead-out, straight from the book. It was a chaotic finish, but I could calmly follow their wheel. Anna took that roundabout super, and shortly after, Mischa took over. They both held on for so long and brought me perfectly to the finish. Then I went for it. At about 175 meters from the finish, I felt Marianne Vos coming up next to me, and then I could accelerate again and maintain my first place."
Gerritse's victory not only secured her a stage win but also the leader's jersey, which she took over from Letizia Paternoster. This win marked her first WorldTour victory and the leader's jersey, making it a dream come true for the young cyclist. "This is my most beautiful victory ever, especially because of the way we did it as a team. I still can't fully realize it; it has to sink in a bit. Everything is happening so quickly for me this season," she said, reflecting on her remarkable journey.
Despite her loss, Vos remained optimistic about her performance and the overall competition. "Of course, you always want more, but Femke was the fastest today," she acknowledged. Vos, who had won the previous stage, aimed to maintain her lead in the points classification and was set to start the next day in the green jersey. She noted that the team had attempted to create chaos on the road to disrupt their competitors, but their efforts were not enough to change the outcome.
As the Vuelta for women progresses, the competition remains fierce, with Gerritse now holding the overall lead and Vos determined to reclaim her position. The upcoming stages promise to be thrilling, with the potential for surprises and shifts in the standings. Gerritse's victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cycling and the relentless spirit of its athletes.
With her eyes set on future stages, Gerritse is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. "This victory is not just for me; it's for the entire team. Everyone was so good today. This is really a victory and a leader's jersey for the team," she emphasized, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in cycling.
As the Vuelta continues, fans can expect more exciting races and fierce competition among the top cyclists. With Gerritse leading the pack and Vos hot on her heels, the battle for the title is far from over. The next stages will test their endurance, strategy, and determination as they vie for victory in one of women's cycling's most prestigious events.
In conclusion, the third stage of the Vuelta for women has set the stage for an exhilarating competition ahead. With Gerritse's stunning victory and Vos's continued prowess, the cycling world eagerly anticipates the unfolding drama of this remarkable race.
