On May 5, 2025, Marianne Vos claimed victory in the second stage of the Vuelta a España for women, a thrilling 99-kilometer race from Molins de Rei to Sant Boi de Llobregat. Vos, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, showcased her sprinting prowess, finishing the race in 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 13 seconds. This win marks her fifth stage victory in the Vuelta, further solidifying her status as one of the premier cyclists in women's road racing.
The stage unfolded dramatically, especially following a chaotic start for the Visma team in the previous day's team time trial. Due to delays caused by bike checks, the squad was unable to perform at their best, finishing tenth and losing valuable time. Top rider Pauline Ferrand-Prévot expressed her frustration, stating, "What the fuck! How can the organization of a major tour be so amateurish?" Her anger was palpable as she criticized the jury and UCI for the mishap that left her team at a disadvantage.
Determined to turn the tide, Ferrand-Prévot took charge in the second stage, setting a fierce pace that would lay the groundwork for Vos's eventual victory. The French cyclist, who recently triumphed in Paris-Roubaix, led the charge into the final stretch, expertly navigating the slippery roads caused by the rainy weather. With the help of her 19-year-old teammate Imogen Wolff, Ferrand-Prévot positioned Vos perfectly for the sprint.
As the riders approached the last straightaway, Vos unleashed her signature sprint, crossing the finish line with several lengths to spare over her closest competitor, Letizia Paternoster of Italy. Paternoster finished second, taking over the leader's jersey from Ellen van Dijk, who struggled in the final kilometers and dropped from contention.
The overall standings after stage two saw Paternoster leading with a cumulative time of 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 40 seconds. Femke Gerritse of the Netherlands trailed closely, just 2 seconds behind, while Anna Henderson from Great Britain was in third, 3 seconds off the pace. Vos, despite her victory, is currently ranked 12th overall, 8 seconds behind Paternoster, but with plenty of racing left, she remains a formidable threat.
Looking ahead, the next stage of the Vuelta will take riders from Barbastro to Huesca on May 6, 2025, covering a distance of 132.4 kilometers. This stage is expected to favor the sprinters again, but the potential for crosswinds could play a significant role in the race dynamics.
As the Vuelta a España for women continues, all eyes will be on Vos and her teammates at Visma-Lease a Bike, who will be looking to capitalize on their momentum following this impressive stage win. With the competition heating up and several challenging stages ahead, the excitement is palpable as fans anticipate how the race will unfold.
