Itzulia Women: Demi Vollering makes it two-for-two in small group sprint

Demi Vollering is unstoppable, she has won stage 2 of Itzulia women, this time being the fastest in a reduced group sprint.

Another tough and explosive day in the Basque race saw no breakaway truly materialize. A string of attacks throughout the day saw the peloton split several times and slowly become a day for the GC contenders.

With 18 kilometers to go Claire Steels launched an important attack, trying to anticipate the final ascent where attacks were expected. This proved a successful tactic as it was exactly what happened.

Katarzyna Niewiadoma attacked in the final hilltop with 5 kilometers to go, a dangerous move but it was closed down by Demi Vollering, Annemiek van Vleuten and Olivia Baril. Steels was joined by the small group, but in the following kilometers the gap was closed to a chasing group.

Marlen Reusser attacked soon after, Annemiek van Vleuten also made an attempt but the group would come to the finish together and into a sprint.

Soraya Paladin led the uphill sprint to the line in front and Canyon // SRAM seemed to be on the path to success, but having the legs Demi Vollering sprinted to victory in Amurrio. Paladin and Marlen Reusser completed the podium with the Dutch woman's lead increasing.