- Mischa Bredewold adds another win by taking the second stage of this year’s edition
- Mischa Bredewold retains the yellow jersey
- The general classification will be decided during the final stage between the favourites
Stage 2 of the 2025 edition got under way in Ugao-Miraballes. The day began with the news that Anna van der Breggen would not start, following her crash during Stage 1.
Several attacks were launched in the opening kilometres in an attempt to form the breakaway. With 99 kilometres remaining, Giorgia Vettorello (CGS, 91), Marie-Morgane Le Deunff (WOS, 116), Andrea Casagranda (BPK, 121), and Elisa Valtulini (BPK, 122) were separated by only a few seconds. They were neutralised before reaching the summit of the first climb.
The race pressed on with a group of about 30 riders, featuring the main favourites. The most challenging section of the stage was behind them, yet two more climbs and difficult terrain remained.
The peloton kept up a high pace throughout the entire stage. With 50 kilometres to go, the pace eased and the attacks began. With one kilometre remaining to the top of Gerekiz, Julie Van De Velde (AGS, 145) surged ahead, opening a gap of up to 1 minute and 5 seconds. Between them was Marta Jaskulska (CTC, 54), but she was unable to catch Van De Velde and was eventually reeled in by the peloton.
It seemed the AG Insurance-Soudal rider’s effort was done after the last climb, but the peloton eased their pace, giving the two escapees some space. From the main group, Dilyxine Miermont (CTC, 56) broke away to join the leaders. Later, Mijntje Geurts (TVL, 175) launched an attack.
With 17 kilometres remaining, the gap to the peloton had narrowed to just 30 seconds. FDJ-Suez, Lidl-Trek, and Team SD Worx-Protime were among the most active teams leading the group. The peloton continued to launch attacks. Many riders were reluctant to risk the stage in a sprint finish. Among the attacks that joined the leading group was the race leader. The race regrouped once more, but Silke Smulders (LIV, 22) launched another attack, breaking away solo. She was chased by Mareille Meijering (MOV, 43) and Rosita Reijnhout (TVL, 173). Only 9 kilometres remaining. Behind them, the team of the yellow jersey tried to close the 18-second gap.
Ultimately, the stage was decided in a sprint, thanks to the outstanding work of Team SD Worx-Protime. Mischa Bredewold once again proved to be the fastest sprinter, securing her second win of this Itzulia Women and consolidating her position in the general classification.
Standings after Stage 2
Stage winner: Mischa Bredewold (SDW, 11)
Overall individual ranking: Mischa Bredewold (SDW, 11)
Mountain classification: Morgane Coston (CGS, 93)
Overall points classification: Mischa Bredewold (SDW, 11)
Overall ranking best young rider: Gaia Segato(BPK, 124)
Overall team classification: Team SD Worx-Protime
Overall ranking best Basque rider: Usoa Ostolaza (LKF, 74)
Most combative: Julie Van De Velde Segato (AGS, 145)
