Ricarda Bauernfeind climbed to an impressive sixth place on today’s La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour stage in Jaca. Teammate Antonia Niedermaier finished the stage as Best Young Rider, proving again that she is one of the peloton’s talented young climbers. Kasia Niewiadoma moved up two places in the general classification, though she lost time to the leader, feeling the effects of a recent illness.

The stage started at a frantic pace, despite a strong headwind, as many riders tried to get a gap before the first mountain climb of the eight-day tour. As a large group formed on the longest climb of the day, with Antonia attacking before the summit, with 27km remaining. Despite her strong attempt, her breakaway was caught. On the descent a new group of around ten riders formed, including Kasia, but was again reeled in by a larger chase group. The final 2.5km steep climb in Jaca split the leading group into pieces. Ricarda lost contact with just under one kilometre and continued for an impressive sixth place on the stage. Kasia moved to eighth on the general classification at +1:47. With her efforts, Ricarda moved to twelfth on the general classification and Antonia was the best young rider in 19th place.

RIDER REACTIONS

Antonia Niedermaier: “Today’s stage was busy from the beginning. There were a lot of attacks from the start. Maike positioned Kaisa, Ricarda and me on the long climb. I tried to attack towards the end of that climb, but I was caught quite quickly. The descent was fast and technical, so it was an opportunity to gain some seconds. The final climb was tough. I dropped at the beginning of the climb as I was not feeling well, and my hand was still sore after the crash a few days ago. I’m managing it the best I can. I got to finish with my tempo. I’m happy to get the best young rider today, but I still have room for improvement. We have three stages to go and we’re looking forward to it. I’m happy to be back at racing, especially stage racing, which I enjoy. So, I’m pleased to be racing and here for the team.”

Ricarda Bauernfeind: “The first big climb was quite okay. FDJ set the tempo and it was steady but not ridicously fast. So, we went into the downhill with quite a big group. The last climb was paced hard from the very bottom. At first,I struggled but then I found my rhythm and I could move up. I’m happy with the stage and how I felt, after being sick earlier in the race.”

HOW TO WATCH

La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es can be followed on X with #LaVueltaFemenina. The official broadcasters are RTVE, NOS, Floikes, RTVC Señal, Eurosport, Sky Sport, RTBF, TV2, Peacock, Supersport, SBS, ESPN, SSC, and JSPORTS.

Stage 6 | 132.5km | Friday 3 May | Tarazona – La Laguna Negra. Vinuesa | Start 13:30CEST | Broadcast 15:30CEST.

Stage 7 | 139km | Saturday 4 May | San Esteban de Gormaz – Sigenza | Start 12:55CEST | Broadcast 14:30CEST.

Stage 8 | 89.5km | Sunday 5 May | Distrito Telefonica – Valdesquí­. Comunidad de Madrid | Start 10:50CEST | Broadcast 12:00CEST.

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