Second place went to Yara Kastelijn of Fenix-Premier Tech, with Riejanne Markus (Lidl - Trek) completing the day’s podium after also banking a one-second bonus. Close behind was Lauren Dickson, fourth for FDJ United - SUEZ, another standout result for the young Briton.
Although the gaps at the line were small, the stage already sketched the GC battle. Germany’s Antonia Niedermaier conceded only two seconds and remains well placed for the hillier days, while Liane Lippert of Movistar Team lost 18 seconds on a first day tougher than expected.
A bright note for Basque cycling came from Usoa Ostolaza, seventh with the same 18-second deficit as the chase group. The Laboral Kutxa - Fundación Euskadi rider was competitive against several major WorldTour references, delivering one of her team’s best
results at the start of the race.
The Top 10 also featured Dominika Włodarczyk, Ricarda Bauernfeind, and Letizia Borghesi on a very intense day that underlined how every second will count in the fight for the general classification. With Bredewold in the first leader’s jersey and several contenders still close on GC, Itzulia Women kicks off with all the ingredients for an open weekend of racing.