With the Spring Classics in the rear view mirror the attention is now turning to the stage races, with the spotlight first shifting to La Vuelta Femenina as it delivers its toughest course ever as it winds its way from Marin to a finale atop the Alto de l’Angliru.
The winner of the past two editions, Demi Vollering, will not be on the start line but that doesn’t mean there will be any shortage of fierce rivals on the road from May 3 to May 9, some are building form toward the Tour de France Femmes but for others it will be the goal itself.
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The final start lists aren’t out yet – so there may be some changes – but from the latest indications of who will be on the line, Cyclingnews has gone through the options to pull together a list of some of the key riders who could be vying for the top overall spots as they battle their way up the final brutal climb of the Alto de L’Angliru.
Juliette Berthet and Évita Muzic (FDJ United-SUEZ)
Just because Demi Vollering is turning her attention to the Giro d’Italia this year, that doesn’t mean FDJ United-SUEZ isn’t still going to be a formidable force in Spain. Instead the fortunes of the team will be resting on the shoulders of Juliette Berthet (née Labous) and Évita Muzic. Both finished inside the top 10 in 2025 even though they were working for race winner Vollering, which shows they have more than earned their opportunity. Additionally the French squad has clearly show in recent months that they are not lost without their key leader, carving out a path to victory with a number of riders other than Vollering.
Berthet has finished inside the top five overall in Spain for the past two years and top 10 through the last four, delivering a consistency that can leave no doubt that she has what it takes to perform at the event. On top of that her strong showing at Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes, with ninth…
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