"I am really happy with this third place” – But is there more to come from Anna van der Breggen in 2025?

La Vuelta Femenina came to a close on Saturday, with Demi Vollering sealing overall victory, but it was the return of Anna van der Breggen to the Grand Tour podium that offered one of the standout stories of the race.

Racing her first stage race at WorldTour level since coming out of retirement, Van der Breggen finished third overall, an impressive comeback for the former Olympic champion and seven-time Giro Donne winner.

"I am really happy with this third place," Van der Breggen said in a Team SD Worx - Protime press release. "This was a nice ride for me. It was a tricky stage with rain in the beginning and then a descent. But in terms of clothing, we were comfortable, so I wasn't cold. My teammates continuously kept us well in front. That only motivated me more. I wanted to do as well as I could on the final climb."

Van der Breggen took to the front during the decisive moments of the final stage, setting the pace on the last ascent, though she admitted conditions on the climb were not ideal for her strengths.

"I set the pace, but there wasn't really much wind on the climb, so I didn't suffer much from riding in the lead. I also felt a lot better than in stage five, only now the climb was less steep. I personally thought that was a pity as I felt good. I already felt a difference compared to Thursday. That makes me really satisfied to feel better uphill. After all, I have hardly done such efforts until now. And I feel I need to do this a few times to grow into it."

It was also a hugely successful week for Team SD Worx-Protime as a whole, with multiple podium finishes and strong showings from new and returning riders.

"In the end, this was a super week for Team SD Worx-Protime. It's promising for what's to come this season. Not only my individual performance, but also that of the whole team. If you see how Lisa Van Belle pulled it off in her first week with us.

“She helped us a lot. Almost every day we rode podium, except for that one ride with the crash in the last corner before the finish. The following day, Femke Gerritse then won the sprint. Perhaps that missed opportunity just made her extra keen and helped her win. Mischa Bredewold also did a fantastic job and almost grabbed a stage."

Van der Breggen concluded, "In other words, we're happy with how the Vuelta went for us and I'm proud to get straight to the final podium at my first stage race at WorldTour level since my return."