Reason 2,389 that we live in a simulation: Alison Jackson took her first Grand Tour stage win on International Dance Day. (Who even knew that was a thing, and yet, why am I not surprised? There’s a day for everything, amirite? And that’s what April 29 is.)
Jackson received an excellent leadout from Kristen Faulkner and clinched a thrilling victory in the sprint finish at the Vuelta España Femenina. The national champion beat Blanka Vas (Team SD Worx-Protime), with Karlijn Swinkels (UAE Team ADQ) taking third.
The race covered 118.0 km from Bunol to Moncofar. Jackson is now sitting second overall, just eight seconds behind Blanka. Her victory also catapults her to the top of the points competition.
When the whole squad pulls up to the finish line celebration 😂 >>> pic.twitter.com/ikSp1sUABJ
— EF Education–Cannondale (@EF_Cannondale) April 29, 2024
“I came in with a real fire to win this, even starting with the rain,” Jackson said after. “Basically, I was just in the right position at the right time. With teammates to take care of me right from the beginning to the finish. I got to choose my sprint, when I wanted it to happen. It’s just unbelievable to come with the win.”
As she rode from the finish line to the team car, an EF staffer let her know the news. “Hey, do you know, seriously, today is International Dance Day?”
“Shut the front door,” Jackson said. “It’s absolutely International Dance Day!”
The Vermilion, Alta. rider then asked all her fans to send in all their best dances to commemorate the win.
At dinner, when the EF-Education gang had dinner and it was time to celebrate, the riders and staff clearly understood the assignment: dance party time.
💥💥💥 ALISON JACKSON TAKES THE WIN
After an incredible lead-out by Kristen Faulkner, Alison Jackson secures first place at stage 2 of @LaVueltaFem 🎉 pic.twitter.com/REfBFEDx4U
— EF Education–Cannondale (@EF_Cannondale) April 29, 2024
The Vuelta kicked off on Sunday with a team time trial. Despite a crash marring their finish, the Lidl-Trek women secured victory in Valencia. Gaia Realini of Italy donned the coveted first red leader’s jersey. This marks the inaugural Grand Tour of the 2024 UCI Women’s WorldTour and the 10th edition of the race. Spanning eight stages, it is one stage longer than the 2023 edition.
“I had a bit of a disappointing spring,” Jackson added. “I really wanted to have a key race, going into Roubaix again, but yeah…
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