Race Report: 4th and final stage of Vuelta a Burgos Femenina 2024

Demi Vollering of Team SD Worx-Protime rides solo to the finish in the fourth and final stage with and with that winning the overall general classification at the 2024 Vuelta a Burgos Femenina. The Dutch rider added another prestigious title to her already impressive palmares, showcasing why she is considered one of the most formidable cyclists in the women’s peloton. Vollering is on fire and wins all 3 stage races in Spain after also winning La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour and Itzulia Women.

The final stage, which began in the picturesque town of Penaranda de Duero, was the final stage of four days of intense racing. The stage started relatively calmly, with the peloton remaining together for the first few kilometers. However, it didn’t take long for the action to begin. Early on, Valentina Basilico (EIC) launched an attack, showcasing her aggressive racing style. Despite her efforts, the peloton, driven primarily by Lidl-Trek, reeled her back in, setting the tone for a day of relentless pursuit and tactical maneuvers.

As the race progressed, multiple attacks were launched in an attempt to break the stranglehold of the main group. Ana Vitoria Magalhães (BPK) and Eyeru Tesfoam Gebru (KGE) made a notable effort, creating a gap and working together to stay ahead. Their collaboration, however, was short-lived as the peloton, with Team SD Worx-Protime at the forefront, increased the pace to bring them back.

Some attacks but the peloton is controlling everything that goes out. On the descent of the first cstegorized clinb of the day, the Alto de Arroyo, the peloton is stretched out nd the peloton is thinned out. Riders trying to connect with the main group but the speed is high to control any attacks.

Ana Vitoria Magalhaes did another brave move and attacks the thinned put peloton. She gets around 30 seconds of the peloton as they moved closer to the finish line.

One of the most significant moments of the stage came when Lucinda Brand (LTK) made a decisive move on the climb towards the Alto de Rozavientos and joins the Brazilian rider. Known for her cyclocross prowess and tenacity, Brand set a fierce pace, creating a gap between herself and the chasing peloton. As she powered up the climb, it became clear that she was determined to secure a stage victory or at least shake up the general classification. On the climb Brand dropped Magalhaes, who is later picked up by the scattered peloton, now consisting of only 20 riders. Brand however, is in top shape and is powering through towards the summit.

Behind her, the peloton was in disarray, with riders struggling to respond to the intensity of Brand’s attack. Team SD Worx-Protime, aware of the threat to Vollering’s overall lead, organized a chase. The gap, however, was significant, and it seemed that Brand might just pull off a remarkable solo victory.

As the summit approached its final kilometers, the landscape of the competition began to shift. Demi Vollering, who had been biding her time, made her move. With a powerful surge, she attacked on the climb, swiftly closing the gap to Brand. Vollering, with a blend of grace and grit, caught and passed Brand, establishing herself at the front.

From that point, Vollering was unstoppable. She maintained her momentum, navigating the technical descent with precision despite the wet roads that posed a significant risk. As she entered the final kilometer, Vollering was visibly confident, a smile spreading across her face. She rose out of the saddle, celebrating her impending victory even before crossing the finish line.

Lucinda Brand (LidlTrek), despite her efforts to chase her compatriot back, finished second, proving her class. Evita Muzic (FDJ Suez) completed the stage podium, having ridden a smart race to secure second place GC. Karlijn Swinkels (UAD) also delivered a great performance, sprinting to fourth and solidifying her podium as third in the general classification.

Post race reactions

Post-race, Vollering was effusive in her praise for her team. “I couldn’t have done this without the incredible support of my teammates,” she said. “They worked tirelessly to control the race and put me in the perfect position to attack. This victory is as much theirs as it is mine.”

”My team once again did a good job controlling the race. Lorena [Wiebes] has helped me to position myself well for the promotion at the end. She was so cold in her legs that she couldn’t attack anymore, so I tried to keep the pace high and hope to reach the top alone to make the descent solo and the final stretch easier. That was the goal: to try to distance myself on the last climb. The victories achieved in Spain comfort me. Things didn’t go well for me in the spring classics and this relieves me. I have a good state of form and I hope to maintain it and increase it in the face of the big goals of the season, which are the Olympic Games, the Tour de France and the World Cup. I’m looking forward to those races.”

Evita Muzic said: ”I need some power and progress a little in the mountains, but I am happy with my start to the season. I finally managed to get on the podium in the general classification of a stage race, something that had eluded me in La Vuelta, so I’m happy to have been able to finish this time. The truth is that the weather has not been with us at the beginning of the season. Here in Spain it has rained practically every day, but today it was very cold. In the end, on the descent, it was difficult for me to continue holding the handlebars and I didn’t want to risk too much. I was also with one of the best in the peloton on the downhill, Lucinda [Brand], so I knew it was going to be complicated. I just had to hold on until the end so they wouldn’t catch me from behind. I’m happy to have achieved it. A few years ago on the flat it was much more difficult for me, so I am happy with my progress in that sense.”

Lucinda Brand, reflecting on her second-place finish, acknowledged the challenge posed by Vollering. “I gave it everything today, and I’m proud of my effort. Demi was just stronger on the climb and deserved the win. It’s been a great race, and I’m happy with my performance.”

Evita Muzic, who finished third, expressed her satisfaction with her podium finish. “It was a tough race with a lot of strong riders, so to finish on the podium is a fantastic result for me and the team. I’m looking forward to building on this performance in future races.”

As the dust settles on this year’s Vuelta a Burgos Femenina, the cycling world eagerly anticipates the next battles on the road. With Ride London next and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and other major races on the horizon, the stage is set for more exhilarating contests. For now, Demi Vollering can bask in the glory of a well-deserved victory, knowing that she has once again proven herself as one of the best in the sport.