‘We wanted to race hard, and that’s what we did today‘ – Setmana Valenciana runner-up Maëva Squiban on her final climb attack

Following a breakthrough season final 12 months, that delivered two Tour de France Femmes stage wins, Maëva Squiban carried that momentum into the brand new season by final month claiming victory in her first race of the 12 months on the Trofeo Marratxí–Felanitx, her first as staff chief for UAE Workforce ADQ.

Now three weeks later, the French rider as soon as once more took on the staff chief mantle on the Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana and completed second general behind winner Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez United).

She took second place on stage 1 by successful the dash from a nine-rider chase group behind solo victor Demi Vollering. On stage 2, a day suited to the sprinters, the 23-year-old completed safely within the bunch to retain the runner-up spot on the final classification.

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The GC battle anticipated on stage 3 by no means got here to fruition because the stage was cancelled because of expectations of sturdy winds, the place an orange climate warning was decreed for the world.

“It was a really difficult stage race, particularly because of the wind circumstances. Within the first two days, we tried to remain protected, then we needed to race laborious, and that’s what we did at the moment from the beginning,” Squiban stated in a staff launch.

As the beginning of the ultimate stage, 117 kilometres from Sagunt to Valencia, Squiban was 56 seconds down on Vollering on GC, and the French staff got here into stage 4 with a transparent plan.

“The aim was to defend second place within the general standings but in addition to battle for the stage win. I’ve to say that the staff was implausible, they labored laborious to permit me to save lots of as a lot vitality as potential earlier than the ultimate climb. I used to be anticipating an assault from Demi Vollering, however ultimately she most popular to attend, so we took the initiative,” she added.

Recognized for her climbing potential, Squiban attacked on the ultimate ascent, the Cat.2 Alt de l’Oronent (5.4km at 4.9%), which crested at 30 kilometres to go. The transfer drew an instantaneous response from Vollering, who was joined by Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto). Becoming a member of in a chase group with Liane Liippert (Movistar) and Mie Bjørndal Ottestad (Uno-X Mobility), Squiban was capable of catch again up with the 2 leaders, and the quintet raced to the end line.

“I attempted to assault after which I couldn’t reply to Demi’s counterattack, however with the assistance of two different athletes I managed to get again in and the 5 of us went on to battle for the victory within the dash.”

Squiban completed third on the stage received by Vollering and efficiently defended her second place within the basic classification.

“It wasn’t maybe my greatest dash, however I believe we may be very blissful,“ stated Squiban. „As soon as once more we proved that we’re a really sturdy staff and though we didn’t win, we’re very blissful.”