As was anticipated, Silvia Persico lined up her teammate Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Crew ADQ) completely for a win on the mountain stage of the UAE Tour Girls 2025.
Longo Borghini claimed the crimson jersey comfortably forward of Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx – Protime), but it surely was Persico’s tempo and positioning which surprised a number of riders.
After attacking 5.5km from the highest, Mavi Garcia (Liv AlUla Jayco) was then dropped because of Persico’s relentless tempo.
Garcia got here third final 12 months and was not overly happy with the climb as she was feeling the consequences of crashing yesterday.
“I feel UAE put in a great rhythm up the climb, and wow, Silvia Persico additionally completed within the entrance and it is superb,” Garcia informed Cyclingnews.
“I am not 100% however I did my finest. After the crash I do not really feel actually good, however my teammate Monica was actually good at the moment, she got here fourth and I used to be making an attempt to stick with her and tried to assault for her.”
Using additionally within the entrance group was Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon//SRAM Zondacrypto) who continues to impress following a stellar 2024 season the place she got here sixth general at each the Giro d’Italia and Tour de Suisse.
Niedermaier could not observe Longo Borghini’s assault however the German rider continues to trip strongly, and stays within the white jersey for the perfect younger rider.
“The tempo was fairly quick however regular which was good for me,” Niedermaier stated.
“The kick at 3km to go was exhausting and you may actually really feel it, however I am fairly pleased with my efficiency.
“It was fairly hectic to the climb and my teammates did a very good job by inserting me completely.”
Niedermaier’s efficiency to date on the race bodes effectively for the remainder of the season.
“It is fairly good to be within the jersey because it’s the primary race of the season and it is all the time good to know the place you might be standing,” she stated.
“It is a bit of a efficiency examine and I see that I am doing the fitting factor. I do know I am not on the highest degree proper now however I am getting there.
“I’ve a whole lot of large objectives this 12 months, just like the Giro and the World Championships, and I need to see what I can do there.”
