As it happened: Breakaway hearts broken as the sprinters take stage 4 of La Vuelta Femenina

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2026-05-06T16:18:14.050Z

Before that we’d like to thank you for joining us and look forward to tomorrow for the last stage before those high mountains.
We roll out at the slightly earlier time of 13:55 Spanish time, so we’ll see you then.
Bye.

Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx - Protime) celebrates receiving the overall leader's red jersey after stage 4 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina in Antas de Ulla, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images)

Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx – Protime) celebrates receiving the overall leader’s red jersey after stage 4 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina in Antas de Ulla, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

2026-05-06T16:11:32.235Z

Before the race reaches the decisive mountain stages, Thursday’s stage 5 is perhaps the easiest of the week.
Running between León and Astorga, the 119.7km course contains the least climbing of the week, with 1,146m.
There are two 3rd category climbs, but it’s likely to be either a sprint or a day for the break.

2026-05-06T16:03:32.647Z

Having worn the race leader’s red jersey for two day Franziska Koch will be disappointed to lose it, but she and her FDJ United-SUEZ team have proven their class this year.
Whether they can bag a stage win or reach the final podium is to be seen, the latter likely to be on the shoulders of Évita Muzic, the team’s first ever WorldTour race winner, way back in 2020 when she won the final stage of the 2020 Giro Rosa.

2026-05-06T15:59:04.931Z

What a day for Marine Allione and her Mayenne-Monbana My Pie team. The French woman was part of the first group to get away, and to wear a jersey in a Grand Tour is a boon for both rider and team.

2026-05-06T15:56:41.179Z

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2026-05-06T15:55:44.801Z

“We had to be patient,” Kopecky said. “Two times second, one time not so great, so we really believed in it as a team, that we were able to win, but we had to wait for it.

“Today was the easiest stage of the ones we had already, some long climbs but steady, but this finale was pretty hard, one moment I really though that we were not going to catch the break anymore. In this final three kilometres it was attack after attack, luckily my team mates they were just on fire and they could respond to all of them, I just had to jump from wheel to wheel, and in the end we were in the perfect position.”

2026-05-06T15:52:43.981Z

At last some luck and a consummate performance from SD Worx. They covered every move in the final and were in perfect position going into the crucial final two bends.
Anna van der Breggen was particularly impressive covering Kopecky’s wheel and managing to finish second, holding off Paternoster.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

2026-05-06T15:27:33.039Z

With that win and the attendant 10 bonus seconds, Kopecky moves into the overall lead.

2026-05-06T15:26:56.073Z

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2026-05-06T15:25:22.613Z

Kopecky took the stage, team mate Anna van der Breggen was second, with Paternoster in third.

2026-05-06T15:24:13.312Z

Kopecky goes from the 200m mark and takes the win.
There’s drama too as part of the barrier had collapsed, it was well marshalled though and the sprint wasn’t impeded.

2026-05-06T15:22:55.338Z

Kopecky second wheel into the first bend and the second bend!

2026-05-06T15:22:24.053Z

There’s a lot movement at the front as riders try to stay out of the wind in the final.

2026-05-06T15:21:45.813Z

Final kilometre, and positioning is key as we have to sharp turns to come, first left, then right before the closing 300m.

2026-05-06T15:21:30.318Z

SD Worx on the front again, with numbers.

2026-05-06T15:21:14.623Z

Movistar keep attacking but they’re going nowhere.

2026-05-06T15:20:51.237Z

2km to go and SD Worx are there. They’re determined to take a stage win, but can they convert their effort into success?

2026-05-06T15:19:16.647Z

Movistar continue attacking, but with little effect. Another small hill and Katherina Schrempf (Fenix-Premier Tech ties her luck.
The break are almost caught.

2026-05-06T15:17:48.700Z

Martín is caught and another Movistar rider goes, it’s Margalhāes.
She’s caught though, and SD Worx nail it.

2026-05-06T15:16:46.186Z

Koch takes the remaining bonus second. The gap is down to 37 seconds ad there’s a counter attack from Sarah Martín (Movistar).

2026-05-06T15:15:54.207Z

After the intermediate sprint, we enter the final 5km on the descent from a short climb, but we’re uphill again shortly afterwards. Most of the last 3km is uphill, though the steepest gradient come early on and the last 300m are false flat.

2026-05-06T15:15:38.070Z

Jaskulska takes the sprint, but the leader ride through they don’t compete.

2026-05-06T15:15:06.130Z

Nijssen is caught just before the intermediate sprint. One bonus second for the peloton, then.

2026-05-06T15:14:20.486Z

Liv-Alula-Jayo are helping the chase now, they have Letizia Paternoster for the sprint.

2026-05-06T15:13:21.136Z

SD Worx and AG In surname still work, but they’re not making a real dent in Jaskulska and Hanson’s lead.

2026-05-06T15:11:57.513Z

8KM left and the gap has gone out, it’s 1.12.

2026-05-06T15:11:00.376Z

Now this is touch and go. Jaskulska and Hanson will certainly take the intermediate sprint, though whether Nijssen is caught by then, we’ll need to wait to find out.

2026-05-06T15:09:08.075Z

With two strong, experienced riders on the front there’ll be no finessing or messing around, they’ll ride.
Cavallar is back on the front, helping AG Insurance’s Julie Van de Velde.
1.10 is the gap.

2026-05-06T15:06:10.811Z

The two biggest engines are alone at the front now, with AG Insurance-Soudal riding on the front, probably for stage 2 winner, Shari Bossuyt.
The gap is 1.11.

2026-05-06T15:04:59.753Z

Allione is dropped from the leading group and Nijssen is struggling too. This came after an attack from Jaskulska.
Now there are just two women on the front, Hanson and Jaskulska, both WorldTour riders, as opposed to ProTeam riders.

2026-05-06T15:02:39.878Z

But Movistar realise what the Belgian squad are up to and take up the chase themselves.

2026-05-06T15:01:26.799Z

Lotto-Intermarché are now close to the front of the peloton, trying to baulk the chase as they have Nijssen up the road.

2026-05-06T15:00:36.232Z

It’s a lumpy final few kilometres, but not hilly, with just 200 of today’s 2,000m left to climb.
The gap is at 1.20, it’s actually close.

2026-05-06T14:57:39.646Z

We do have an intermediate sprint to come, but it’s very late in the day. Only 5.2km from the finish, it could serve as a launch point, or it may not be competed for, the sprinters saving their legs for the finish.

2026-05-06T14:55:54.236Z

With Cavallar nailing it on the front, SD Worx are showing their stage winning intent, taking chunks out of the breakaway’s advantage. Something will have to change for the break to make it to the line.

2026-05-06T14:54:13.231Z

The race is entering a critical phase now, the leaders have 1.41 on the bunch, they could still stay away but they’ll need to work very hard to do so.

2026-05-06T14:51:27.433Z

Cavallar competed at the Tokyo Olympics, rowing for her country. Today’s fourth stage is only her fifth race day of the year.

2026-05-06T14:49:50.694Z

SD Worx-Protime are now on the front of the peloton, Austrian climber Valentina Cavallar setting the pace.
Are the team going for the win?

2026-05-06T14:44:10.724Z

The breakaway’s lead is now 1.56, meaning Koch is now back in the virtual overall lead.

2026-05-06T14:42:54.169Z

Despite Allione’s sprint for the mountains points, the peloton have taken 20 seconds out of their lead.
It’s down marginally to 2.05.

The breakaway during stage 4 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

2026-05-06T14:38:50.191Z

Allione takes maximum points on the climb, putting her level on points with Squiban. Because she won the climbs today, she gets the jersey.

2026-05-06T14:31:27.110Z

In the bunch the pace on the climb isn’t high enough to drop many riders, and though the deficit to the leaders is down, it is now steady. If the sprinters get over the top of this we may well see them compete for the win.

2026-05-06T14:27:48.656Z

On the climb the gap is edging down, though not fast, it’s 2.27 now.

The breakaway during stage 4 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

2026-05-06T14:23:29.592Z

As the breakaway commence the climb they’re 2.45 head, despite the peloton thundering along into the bottom.

2026-05-06T14:20:04.604Z

With the climb coming up now there are little signs the peloton might be interested in the mountains points at the top.
The gap is coming down again, it’s only 2.53.

2026-05-06T14:18:21.158Z

The second classified climb of the day is coming up now. The oddly named Alto do Hospital is tough one, 4.1km with an average gradient of 6.6%, though the steady gradient makes it a good climb to get in a rhythm. We start climbing with 38.2km to go.

2026-05-06T14:14:30.070Z

Annelies Nijssen is a solid all-rounder, performing well on all terrains. She’s also the youngest in the leading group.
That group is currently 3.12 ahead of the bunch.

2026-05-06T14:12:07.184Z

Allione is in her second year with the Mayenne team, join last season when it was called Winspace Orange Seal. Her best ever result was 6th at the Vuelta CV Feminas earlier this year.

2026-05-06T14:09:34.891Z

Jaskulska is also a strong rouleur who was the Polish national time trial champion in 2024.

2026-05-06T14:07:05.143Z

Of the breakaway, Hanson is the most experienced, the Lidl-Trek rider is one of the great engines of the women’s peloton, a real worker for her team, often seen on the front bringing breakaways back.

2026-05-06T14:03:59.464Z

FDJ United-SUEZ are back on the front leading the peloton while Nijssen, Allione, Jaskulska and Hanson lead by 3.20.

2026-05-06T14:01:00.648Z

The peloton is taking a moment to refuel and replenish, riders heading back to the car to collect drinks and food.

2026-05-06T13:56:00.548Z

And it’s settled again. The peloton are tightly bunched together, while Nijssen, Allione, Jaskulska and Hanson lead by 2.20.

The peloton during stage 4 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina 2026. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

2026-05-06T13:49:04.110Z

Of those attacks, Lieke Nooijen (Visma-Lease a Bike) is the only one to go clear. However, she’s now back in the peloton.
The brakaway have lost a minute of their lead though, it’s now 2.25.

2026-05-06T13:46:50.637Z

The peloton has become a seething mass of riders, with attack after attack stretching it before it comes back together.

2026-05-06T13:44:45.388Z

The pace is up in the bunch again and the leaders’ advantage is being slowly whittled down. Liv-Alula-Jayco are on the front, with SD Worx-Protime in close attendance.

“You never know if you don’t try.”

A CORUNA, SPAIN - MAY 05: Kasia Niewiadoma of Poland and Team CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto competes during the 12th La Vuelta Femenina 2026, Stage 3 a 121.2km stage from Padron to A Coruna / #UCIWWT / on May 05, 2026 in A Coruna, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

2026-05-06T13:37:45.987Z

2026-05-06T13:35:14.100Z

Nijssen, Allione, Jaskulska and Hanson really have been allowed their head, their lead is now out to 2.40.
There are advantages and disadvanates to being in the overall lead, so let’s see whether Koch’s FDJ team chase the break down.

2026-05-06T13:32:04.274Z

Nijssen is now the virtual overall leader of the Vuelta Femenina. Just about! She, Allione, Jaskulska and Hanson have 1.59 on the peloton, giving the French rider a one second lead.

2026-05-06T13:27:50.735Z

The gap is increasing now, Nijssen, Allione, Jaskulska and Hanson lead by 1.58.

2026-05-06T13:23:02.422Z

Of the four riders at the front, Nijssen is the best paced on the general classification, the Belgian rider starting the day only 1.58 behind the race leader, Franziska Koch (FDJ United-SUEZ).

2026-05-06T13:20:36.904Z

And breathe. Annelies Nijssen (Lotto-Intermarché Ladies), Marine Allione (Mayenne-Monbana My Pie, Lauretta Hanson (Lidl-Trek) and Marta Jaskulska (Human Powered Health) now lead by more than one minute.

2026-05-06T13:17:47.715Z

Jaskulska reaches the front, she, Nijssen, Allione and Hanson lead by 35 seconds. It’s relentless!

2026-05-06T13:14:19.868Z

Nijssen, Allione and Hanson lead Jaskulska by 25 seconds with the peloton 35 seconds behind the lead.
We’re now at the top of another, unclassfied climb.

2026-05-06T13:11:11.490Z

This counter-attack may well bring a reaction from the bunch, it’s only a short stage remember, and some teams may be happier with three, rather than four riders up the road.

2026-05-06T13:09:44.297Z

The gaps are growing, but now there is another rider in the gap, Marta Jaskulska (Human Powered Health) is chasing the three leaders.
She’s 25 seconds behind with the bunch a further 10 seconds down.

2026-05-06T13:06:53.381Z

We’ve done 30km and the breakaway is still not formed conclusively, Nijssen, Allione and Hanson lead by only 15 seconds.

2026-05-06T13:01:51.629Z

The race is a state of constant flux, Lauretta Hanson (Lidl-Trek) has joined Nijssen and Allione, but they’re only just ahead of the peloton.

2026-05-06T12:59:48.762Z

There’s another little climb now before a long descent and the bunch has almost caught the breakaway. If and when another group tries to get away this will be a tough day.

2026-05-06T12:57:40.185Z

There’s a battle going on for the mountains jersey.
While Allione was first over the top, scoring 6 points, with Nijssen taking 4, Maëva Squiban (UAE Team ADQ) was third and now leads the classification after Moolman-Pasio was fourth over the Alto de Oural.

2026-05-06T12:54:35.485Z

It’s all going on now, Nijssen and Allione lead, but Van der Heijden was briefly joined by Josie Talbot (Liv-Alula-Jayco) trying to chase the leaders down.
No can do, though, they’re caught and our leading duo have 1.25.

2026-05-06T12:48:38.820Z

Fenix-Premier Tech have clearly identified today as a breakaway day. Van der Heijden is the second rider they’ve sent up the road, though she might struggle to close the gap now it’s more than a minute.

2026-05-06T12:47:10.283Z

We do have a counter-attack with Inge van der Heijden (Fenix-Premier Tech) chasing just ahead of the bunch, which is 1.30 behind the leading duo.

2026-05-06T12:45:48.351Z

On the climb now and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (AG Insurance-Soudal) might be interested in chasing the leaders down as the South African currently leads the mountains classification.

Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (AG Insurance – Soudal) during stage 4 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina wearing the polka-dot jersey. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

2026-05-06T12:40:14.168Z

Annelies Nijssen (Lotto-Intermarché Ladies) and MArine Allione (Mayenne-Monbana My Pie) arę away. The pair have 48 seconds over the peloton.

2026-05-06T12:38:04.471Z

The day’s first climb comes early in the day, the Alto de Oural starting after 14.1km and covers 5..4km at an average gradient of 4.7%. We’re almost there now.

2026-05-06T12:36:39.296Z

Don’t worry, another group is now up the road.

2026-05-06T12:36:20.065Z

Four women attacked, but Maud Oudeman (Visma-Lease a Bike), Aniek van Alphen (Fenix-Premier Tech, Ana Vitoriá Magalhāes (Movistar) and Francesca Hall (Mayenne-Monbana My Pie) weren’t allowed to get too far.

2026-05-06T12:31:03.121Z

We’re now almost 10km into the race, but who doesn’t want to see the roll out?

May 6, 2026

2026-05-06T12:28:57.845Z

We have two riders up the road! No names just yet.

Will Kopecky finally get her stage win?

Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx - Protime) during stage 3 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images)

Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx – Protime) during stage 3 of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

2026-05-06T12:22:12.678Z

There are 118 riders in the bunch, with no attacks able to gain any traction so far.

2026-05-06T12:17:48.118Z

Let’s go racing!
The flag has dropped and the race is on. It’s another shortish stage, so will we get an early break or will there be a big fight to get away?

Who’s where at the Vuelta Femenina?

A CORUNA, SPAIN - MAY 05: Franziska Koch of Germany and Team FDJ United - SUEZ celebrates at podium as Red Leader Jersey winner during the 12th La Vuelta Femenina 2026, Stage 3 a 121.2km stage from Padron to A Coruna / #UCIWWT / on May 05, 2026 in A Coruna, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

2026-05-06T12:10:14.087Z

We’re rolling for the almost 5km of neutralised start before the racing begins.

2026-05-06T12:01:11.708Z

It’s sign on time for UAE Team ADQ, today could be good for Paula Blasi.

🤯 El palmarés de la jefa @mavi_at
😳 The palmares of big Mavi García
👋 @UAETeamADQ | #LaVueltaFemenina pic.twitter.com/x3ToXyvUusMay 6, 2026

2026-05-06T11:57:28.057Z

It’s not been such a great season for the once all-conquering SD Worx-Protime squad. There or there abouts all the time, they’re not winning too much.

A CORUNA, SPAIN - MAY 05: Lotte Kopecky of Belgium and Team SD Worx - Protime crosses the finish line during the 12th La Vuelta Femenina 2026, Stage 3 a 121.2km stage from Padron to A Coruna / #UCIWWT / on May 05, 2026 in A Coruna, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

May 6, 2026

2026-05-06T11:48:02.189Z

Once again, we roll out at 14:05 today, leaving Monforte de Lemos and it’s lumpy from the start. The 115.3km stage climbs 2,002m of elevation with two third classified climbs before the finish in Antas de Ulla.

2026-05-06T11:39:06.267Z

Tuesday’s third stage was a cracker, with EF Education-Oatly attacking repeatedly and Cedrine Kerbaol taking the win.
The French woman took her win with a late solo raid.

A CORUNA, SPAIN - MAY 05: Cedrine Kerbaol of France and Team EF Education-Oatly celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the 12th La Vuelta Femenina 2026, Stage 3 a 121.2km stage from Padron to A Coruna / #UCIWWT / on May 05, 2026 in A Coruna, Spain. (Photo by Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Hello once more and welcome to the Cyclingnews live coverage of the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina. today is stage 4, between Monforte de Lemos and Antas de Ulla.

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