Vuelta CV Feminas: Arianna Fidanza Takes Seventh After a Challenging Day in Spain

Arianna Fidanza sprints for seventh after an unfortunately timed puncture at the bottom of La Frontera takes Sandra Alonso out of contention.

La Frontera was always expected to be the make-or-break point of the race, however, for Alonso, a bike change at the bottom of the climb left far too much work to do on its steep gradients, especially with Movistar pushing hard on the front. 

A group of five riders managed to gain a gap on the climb, with Fidanza in the group behind. Marta Lach and Cedrine Kerbaol tried hard to close the gap but with the rest of the group unwilling to work, they could only watch as their deficit grew on the descent. Eventually, they were joined by the remains of the peloton.

Fidanza's group fought hard to reach the front of the race but attacks in the leading group meant they were left to sprint out the last of the top 10 places. Fidanza led us home in seventh place.

CERATIZIT-WNT Directeur Sportif, Steffen Radochla said: "The entrance to the climb was more or less a gravel road, and Sandra got a flat tire. It's about the worst point that could get a puncture. It's unfortunate that Marta and Cedrine couldn't jump over to the group with Arianna. They only had 100 metres to close at first but on the descent, the gap grew too big. We came here with good legs and I think this time although we were unlucky we can be happy with our performance."