{"id":655848,"date":"2026-05-07T16:17:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T16:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/655848\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T16:17:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T16:17:16","slug":"as-it-happened-the-sprinters-take-the-honours-as-a-crash-mars-the-final-at-stage-5-of-the-vuelta-femenina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/655848\/","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: The sprinters take the honours as a crash mars the final at stage 5 of the Vuelta Femenina"},"content":{"rendered":"

Refresh <\/p>\n

2026-05-07T16:12:07.035Z<\/p>\n

Until then, thanks once again for joining us, and we’ll see you on Friday for the first of two race defining days.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Mischa\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T16:08:46.688Z<\/p>\n

Friday’s sixth stage is where the tough really get going.
The 106.6km stage between Gij\u00f3n and Nava might be the shortest of the week, and the 2,138m of elevation isn’t much more than the opening four stages, but the majority of it comes on the final climb to Les Praeres is brutal.
Just 3.7km, the average gradient is 13.4%, with early ramps over 20%. <\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:58:37.284Z<\/p>\n

You have to feel sorry for Letizia Paternoster, with two third places and another brace of top 10 finishes, the Liv-Alula-Jayco is having a great race and might have won Thursday’s stage had she not crashed earlier in the stage.
Not only dod she have the consequent injuries to deal with, but the effort taken getting back to the bunch.
She’s not a big winner, but she is often up there in fast but gnarly finishes and she’ll be rueing her luck.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Letizia\n<\/p>\n

Letizia Paternoster o(Liv AlUla Jayco) rafter stage 2 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:50:35.221Z<\/p>\n

Bredewold came close to victory at last year’s race and was relived to get the win.
“It’s really nice,” she said. “Actually I said before, this finish is really similar to the one from last year where I became second, but we have, of course, a luxury position today with the red jersey and I’m just so grateful to the team that I had the freedom to share my ambitions about sprinting.
“Of course I am here with Lotte for the sprints, so we need to puzzle a bit with the stages, especially today a bit with the red jersey, you don’t want to throw that away it would be really stupid.
“So we made a dream, ideal plan to do it like this, and I get the freedom to sprint with Lotte in my wheel and she would come over if she had to. I’m super happy to finally get the first victory.”<\/p>\n

\n

\"Mischa\n<\/p>\n

Mischa Bredewold and her SD Worx – Protime team mates celebrate after winning stage 5 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina in Astorga, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:25:03.660Z<\/p>\n

The concern for the Dutch squad will be their GC leader, Anna van der Breggen, who was taken down in the late crash, crossing the line in 100th place. The big mountains are where the team will hope she would excel, though they may need to reassess when any injuries are known.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:22:49.737Z<\/p>\n

It was another near-perfect performance from SD Worx, such was their dominance it was almost cocky. Throughout the day they judged their presence on the front perfectly, pulling when the break needed closing disappearing when they were too close.
Bredewold opened her sprint so early it looked like a lead out, and Kopecky could have come through, but she just monitored, taking second place<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:20:22.129Z<\/p>\n

Results powered by FirstCycling<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:07:05.953Z<\/p>\n

Bredewold takes the win and SD Worx take a 1-2 for the second stage running, Kopecky finishing second. Paternoster took an incredibly impressive third place.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:05:57.944Z<\/p>\n

The rest of the peloton rolls in in dribs and drabs after the crash.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:04:59.132Z<\/p>\n

Bredewold leads out her team mate, pulls off for Kopecky, but it’s Bredewold who wins the stage.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:03:40.013Z<\/p>\n

SD Worx are looking for Kopecky. UAE Team ADQ lead the way.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:02:52.608Z<\/p>\n

A crash in the middle of the bunch has split the race.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:02:29.471Z<\/p>\n

Flamme rouge now, 1,000m to go! At 500m there’s a roundabout they can pass on both sides, then another uphill sprint, the gradient in the final 200m average.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:01:56.416Z<\/p>\n

The roads are wide, but they’re wet, the sprinters’ teams are spread across, each doing their own thing.<\/p>\n

2km<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:01:03.912Z<\/p>\n

LIv-Alula-Jayco dominate the road for Paternoster, she must be feeling good after that crash.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T15:00:26.677Z<\/p>\n

It’s raining now and the tight, narrow roads disrupt the teams’ trains, it’s time to get them back together with 3km to go.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:59:18.310Z<\/p>\n

Former race leader, Franziska Koch (FDJ United-SUEZ) are positioned on the back of the SD Worx train, Kochh trails Kopecky by 6 seconds on GC.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:58:18.151Z<\/p>\n

SD Worx take their place, so do Liv-Alula-Jayco, Visma are there too.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:57:11.927Z<\/p>\n

The leadouts are in place as the race prepares for the final. Expect some attacks.
Movistar sweep to the front, Liane Lippert was strong yesterday, today suits her better.<\/p>\n

5km to go<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:54:42.875Z<\/p>\n

The pace is very high, some riders are struggling to hold the wheel on what is a narrow road at a time when positioning is key.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:51:58.340Z<\/p>\n

The bunch are flying now, Mart\u00edn, Eraso and Van Alphen are caught.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:50:45.857Z<\/p>\n

Mart\u00edn, Eraso and Van Alphen lead by just 10 seconds.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:50:39.549Z<\/p>\n

Into the final 10km. It’s mostly flat with the odd rise and fall and just a couple of bends. There’s a sharp right hander 3.4km from the line, then it’s left at a roundabout with 1,400m to go.<\/p>\n

10km to go <\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:48:44.271Z<\/p>\n

SD Worx return to the front row again and instantly five seconds are lopped off the leaders’ advantage.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:47:41.378Z<\/p>\n

Visma-Lease a Bike are all at the back, we’ve seen them do this before, staying out of trouble and plotting their next move.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:46:12.300Z<\/p>\n

The bunch is spread across the road now, all the big teams represented on the front.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:44:55.188Z<\/p>\n

With the pace in the peloton knocked off slightly, Paternoster is able to get back in, with a lot of help from team mate Josie Talbot.
Mart\u00edn, Eraso and Van Alphen lead by 227 seconds.<\/p>\n

15km to go<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:41:55.029Z<\/p>\n

And breathe. The peloton back off, allowing Mart\u00edn, Eraso and Van Alphen’s lead to extend to 20 seconds.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:40:46.659Z<\/p>\n

The bunch are fighting for points, not time as Eraso crosses the line first, Van Alphen second and Mart\u00edn third.
The lead is just 13 seconds after the peloton sped through the sprint.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:38:36.195Z<\/p>\n

Looks like Mart\u00edn, Eraso and Van Alphen will contest the sprint, though with a reduced advantage.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:37:52.307Z<\/p>\n

In one kilometre it’s intermediate sprint time. Coming in Castrillo de Cepeda, it’s very slightly downhill on a straight section of road.
Paternoster was one of the riders down in the crash, a huge blow to the Italian.<\/p>\n

20km to go<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:35:04.133Z<\/p>\n

The gap is settling again at 40 seconds, it seems they want the break back, but not quite yet.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:33:19.266Z<\/p>\n

SD Worx are back on the front, Kopeck\u00fd leading the way with only 24km to go, and 5km to the sprint. the gap is down to 39 seconds.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:32:06.481Z<\/p>\n

We’ve had a crash which has taken vital team mates from both the Liv-Alula-Jayco and AG Insurance-Soudal lead outs. They’re ok, but crashing hurts.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:30:55.899Z<\/p>\n

The intermediate sprint is coming up soon, SD Worx might want the bonus seconds to go to the breakaway, Kopecky’s overall lead is only six seconds.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:29:10.655Z<\/p>\n

And here comes the rain. Northern Spain is very much a maritime climate and it often rains even when it’s not forecast.
The gap is at 45 seconds.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:27:12.657Z<\/p>\n

Sara Mart\u00edn (Movistar), Idoia Eraso (Laboral Kutxa-Fundaci\u00f3n Euskadi) and Aniek van Alphen (Fenix-Premier Tech) are going to work now, they know the gap is going out and they want to stay away.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:24:25.114Z<\/p>\n

Interestingly SD Worx have disappeared from the front and the gap has extended slightly, Mart\u00edn, Eraso and Van Alphen leading by 56 seconds.
If you catch the breakaway too early you invite more attacks, SD Worx don’t want that.<\/p>\n

30km to go<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:24:02.038Z<\/p>\n

Job done for Coutinho, the mountains jersey is secure in the Mayenne team and she is caught.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:20:13.469Z<\/p>\n

The descent has taken its toll on Coutinho, the Frenchwoman a few metres of the back as Visma-Lease a Bike lead the bunch. They’re keeping their GC duo of Marion Bunel and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot safe, but they have Canadian Sarah Van Dam for the sprint.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:15:57.339Z<\/p>\n

Much of the remaining 38km is downhill and it seems the race is descending into darkness, as rain clouds are looming large.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:13:06.794Z<\/p>\n

The gap is really coming down now, we’re on one of the numerous short, unclassified climbs and Mart\u00edn, Eraso, Van Alphen and Coutinho are shedding time, their lead only 35 seconds now.<\/p>\n

40km<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:10:25.045Z<\/p>\n

Mart\u00edn, Eraso, Van Alphen and Coutinho lead by only 50 seconds while Garau has been caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:07:17.386Z<\/p>\n

On the descent now and SD Worx are still on the front. Despite the presence of classy sprinters like Shari Bossuyt (AG Insurance-Soudal) and Letizia Paternoster (LIv-Alula-Jayco), Koppecky’s squad are likely to be leant on for all the work.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:04:38.434Z<\/p>\n

Coutinho takes first place at the top of the climb, so, if she stays with or ahead of her team mate, Allione, Coutinho will wear the mountains jersey for tomrrow’s stage.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:01:49.501Z<\/p>\n

The climb is taking its toll on the break, but the peloton remains largely together, the gap is down to less than a minute now, though.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T14:00:19.978Z<\/p>\n

Close to the top of the climb and Garau is struggling now, the Spanish rider from the Italian Vini Fantini-Bepink team is dropping off the back of the breakaway.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:57:46.850Z<\/p>\n

We’re heading straight for the second climb now. The Alto de la Garandilla ramps up 49.3km from the line, but the gradient is only4.9% over the 3.4km.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:57:13.886Z<\/p>\n

Julia Kopeck\u00fd might be Czech, but she grew up in the Netherlands. Both her brothers, Tomas and Matyas, are professionals, riding for Unibet-Rose Rockets, and all three rode at Paris-Roubaix last month.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:50:46.912Z<\/p>\n

Mart\u00edn, Eraso, Garau, Van Alphen and Coutinho are now losing time to the SD Worx-Protime led peloton. Julia Kopeck\u00fd and Valentina Cavallar are doing the damage.<\/p>\n

50km to go <\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:49:33.663Z<\/p>\n

Despite the loss of some of their lead, Mart\u00edn, Eraso, Garau, Van Alphen and Coutinho continue to work well together.<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:45:35.118Z<\/p>\n

The pace seems to be up in the peloton, SD Worx bringing the gap to the breakaway down a little bit was they descend to the base of the final classified climb.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:43:32.727Z<\/p>\n

The bunch are racing through some really stunning countryside in north-western Spain today.<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:37:56.124Z<\/p>\n

We’re half way though today’s stage and Mart\u00edn, Eraso, Garau, Van Alphen and Coutinho lead by 2.20.
The average speed is still above 40km\/h and I wouldn’t expect it to drop much.<\/p>\n

60km to go<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:35:37.272Z<\/p>\n

Allione continues to lead the mountains classification, but if Coutinho wins the next climb the Mayenne team mates will be level on points, with Ma\u00ebve Squiban (UAE Team ADQ) also on 12.
Both MAyenne riders would have won two climbs each, so the leader would dbe decided by their GC placing.
Coutinho started the day in 68th place, eahd of Allione, so she would inhert the jersey.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:22:48.751Z<\/p>\n

Off the descent from the Collada de Olleros de Alba there’s another kicker before the race reaches the next classified climb.
Mart\u00edn, Eraso, Garau, Van Alphen and Coutinho lead by 1.58.<\/p>\n

70km to go<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:19:52.804Z<\/p>\n

Coutinho takes maximum points, Mart\u00edn second, Eraaso third and Van Alphen fourth.
That means it’s very highly likely the mountains classification will stay in the Mayenne-Monbana My Pie team.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:17:32.636Z<\/p>\n

Mart\u00edn and Coutinho have forged on ahead as the top of the climb approaches, they’re probably fighting for the mountains points. They lead the other three escapees by 20 seconds at the top.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:14:06.525Z<\/p>\n

Kopecky’s SD Worx-Protime team are doing the work on the front of the peloton, not only are they defending the red jersey but they’ll probably want another sprint when they reach Astorga.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:12:43.205Z<\/p>\n

Alice Coutinho is the best placed rider in today’s breakaway though she’s unlikely to manage to take the virtual – or real – over all lead as she began the day 8.24 behind Lotte Kopecky.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:09:50.436Z<\/p>\n

Marina Garau is not stranger to the breakaway, she was up the road on stage 3, part of a three woman group chasing a leading duo. They never quite got there, so she has bettered that ride today.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:06:37.006Z<\/p>\n

The race has now settled, Mart\u00edn, Eraso, Garau, Van Alphen and Coutinho on the climb with a lead of 2.50 on the peloton.<\/p>\n

80km to go <\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:04:13.376Z<\/p>\n

With their deficit to the breakaway now out to 2.45, the peloton begin the day’s first classified climb.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T13:02:18.495Z<\/p>\n

We’re approaching the start of the day’s first classified climb, Collada de Olleros de Alba. It climbs 236m over 6.6km, and, at an average gradient of 3.6%, it’s not too tough.<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

The breakaway during stage 5 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski\/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:55:32.339Z<\/p>\n

Despite being caught so close to the line on stage 4, Lauretta Hanson (Lidl-Trek) wasn’t happy, though other breakaway riders were celebrating.
“To come so close is a bit heartbreaking,” said Hanson.<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"ANTAS\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:52:01.608Z<\/p>\n

Sara Mart\u00edn (Movistar), Idoia Eraso (Laboral Kutxa-Fundaci\u00f3n Euskadi) and Marina Garau (Vini Fantini-Bepink) Aniek van Alphen (Fenix-Premier Tech) and Alice Coutinho (Mayenne-Monbana My Pie) have increased their lead to 2.05.
This is the day’s break. Probably!<\/p>\n

90km to go <\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:47:45.249Z<\/p>\n

Now the gap goes out again. Maybe the peloton is happy after all.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:43:12.590Z<\/p>\n

The gap is coming down now, it’s just 35 seconds, someone in the peloton is not happy with those up the road.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:39:56.963Z<\/p>\n

In the breakaway, Coutinho is Allione’s team mate and the French rider is another strong climber, maybe she can defend the jersey, or even take it herself.
They’ll have to stay away from the bunch yet, they’re still chasing.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:36:42.555Z<\/p>\n

This situation will suit the Mayenne team and Allione’s polka-dot jersey as all the points are currently up the road, though if the same woman takes maximum points on both today’s climbs they could take the jersey.<\/p>\n

100km to go<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:35:00.111Z<\/p>\n

Van Alphen and Coutinho have caught Mart\u00edn, Eraso and Garau, so we have five at the front with a lead of one minute.<\/p>\n

The breakaway is formed<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:32:59.164Z<\/p>\n

Mart\u00edn, Eraso and Garau are being chased by Aniek van Alphen (Fenix-Premier Tech) and Alice Coutinho (Mayenne-Monbana My Pie) who are 10 seconds behind the leaders, while the bunch are almost a minute down now.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:27:13.321Z<\/p>\n

Mart\u00edn has been joined by Idoia Eraso (Laboral Kutxa-Fundaci\u00f3n Euskadi) and Marina Garau (Vini Fantini-Bepink), the three of them have a 20 second lead.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:25:29.534Z<\/p>\n

Mart\u00edn was being chased by two riders but they’re caught and the Movistar rider’s lead is out to about 15 seconds. We’re flying at the moment, the average speed is 45km\/h, and yes, we are going slightly uphill.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:23:19.235Z<\/p>\n

We have another attacks up the road, Spanish champion Sara Mart\u00edn (Movistar) has around 10 second on the chasing peloton.<\/p>\n

110km to go<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:19:03.664Z<\/p>\n

The attacks keep coming, but nothing is sticking just yet.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:18:00.480Z<\/p>\n

Each of the classified climbs have 6, 4, 2 and 1 points, so if Allione were to win just won of them she’d be safe in the jersey.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:15:42.107Z<\/p>\n

Today might have been described as the easiest of the entire week, but there are two third category climbs through the day, as well as another late intermediate sprint, with 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds available.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:14:23.545Z<\/p>\n

Allione will be hoping to harvest a few more mountains points to consolidate the jersey, but she tried too soon, the pair are caught.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:13:15.665Z<\/p>\n

Marine Allione (Mayenne-Monbana My Pie) is wearing the polka-dot jersey of the mountains classification leader, and she’s trying to get away.
With her is her team mate Justine Gegu.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:11:47.560Z<\/p>\n

118 riders took the start and some of them are attacking from the get go.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:10:34.074Z<\/p>\n

We’re on our way, stage 5 of the Vuelta Femenina is underway.<\/p>\n

The flag drops!<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:09:48.986Z<\/p>\n

No rain in the forecast today, sunshine and highs of about 17\u00ba for the stage. The wind is blowing from the south, but for now it’s only around 11km\/h, so it shouldn’t affect the race, though the final 60km will be mostly headwind, making it hard for a breakaway.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:04:42.905Z<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0e\u0301\ud835\udc0d
\n\ud83d\ude4c \u00a1Salida neutralizada de la etapa 5\ufe0f\u20e3!
\n\ud83d\udcaa Stage 5\ufe0f\u20e3 neutral start!#LaVueltaFemenina pic.twitter.com\/9aQzP0dlCrMay 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-05-07T12:00:22.589Z<\/p>\n

And we’re rolling for 6.9km of neutralised riding.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T11:59:44.640Z<\/p>\n

After finally winning a stage, Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) is the overall leader. But who’s close behind? And what about the other jerseys?
Who is leading what after stage 4?<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"LOBIOS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T11:55:51.614Z<\/p>\n

The neutralised start was delayed by five minutes for stage 4, so maybe it will be today.<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T11:52:20.184Z<\/p>\n

Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! Find out more.<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-05-07T11:52:00.639Z<\/p>\n

Today is arguably the easiest of the whole week, but things never work out that way.
The climbing starts to ramp up before the final weekend onslaught. <\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"ANTAS\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T11:45:19.613Z<\/p>\n

Before we get going, how exciting was stage 4? A nail-biting, will-they-won’t-they pursuit of the day’s breakaway.
Lotte Kopecky finally won, bonus points helped her claim the race lead.<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"Lotte\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-07T11:40:28.535Z<\/p>\n

Sign on is well under way in Le\u00f3n. UAE Team ADQ lead the teams classification.<\/p>\n

#LaVueltaFemenina \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8
\nPodium presentation \u2705
\nInterviews \u2705
\nStage 5 is about to start in Le\u00f3n !#UAETeamADQ @LaVueltaFem pic.twitter.com\/zsmvKpfcRWMay 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-05-07T11:37:47.044Z<\/p>\n

We’ve headed east, leaving Galicia for Castile y Le\u00f3n, for a slightly earlier start. We’re due to roll out of Le\u00f3n at 13:55 for 6.9km of neutral before the 119.6km stage to Astorga.<\/p>\n

Good afternoon, we’re back for stage 5 of the La Vuelta Femenina, welcome along for our live coverage.<\/p>\n