Marianne Vos wins stage 7 of La Vuelta Femenina in impressive uphill sprint on windy day

The overall classification was at stake today at La Vuelta Femenina; strong crosswinds split the peloton, but the stage win was decided in the final hilltop where Marianne Vos was the strongest in the difficult dash to the line.

A breakaway of nine riders threatened to take the win on the day, causing a lot of tension on what was a hilly and windy day. The peloton moved quite fast throughout the whole day, with an average of virtually 40Km/h.

The breakaway was caught with 38 kilometers to go just as the peloton split with the crosswinds. 29 riders - including those caught - ended up going up the road, including the main favourites for the overall classification and most of those who were in contention for the stage win.

A few attacks then began in the final 10 kilometers to the stage, riders trying to anticipate a sprint finale in the final hilltop. However there was always organization in the chasing group and the riders entered the final kilometer together.

Kristen Faulkner launched a sprint from afar, trying to make it less explosive. She finished second on the day, it was a very strong move but Marianne Vos still had the legs in the final meters and took the victory. Faulkner and Longo Borghini completed the podium; the latter cut the lead of Demi Vollering in the overall classification slightly.

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