As was anticipated, Silvia Persico lined up her teammate Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) completely for a win on the mountain stage of the UAE Tour Women 2025.
Longo Borghini claimed the purple jersey comfortably forward of Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx – Protime), nevertheless it was Persico’s tempo and positioning which shocked just a few riders.
After attacking 5.5km from the highest, Mavi Garcia (Liv AlUla Jayco) was then dropped because of Persico’s relentless tempo.
Garcia got here third final yr and was not overly happy with the climb as she was feeling the consequences of crashing yesterday.
“I feel UAE put in a great rhythm up the climb, and wow, Silvia Persico additionally completed within the entrance and it is superb,” Garcia instructed Cyclingnews.
“I’m not 100% however I did my greatest. After the crash I do not really feel actually good, however my teammate Monica was actually good at the moment, she got here fourth and I used to be making an attempt to stick with her and tried to assault for her.”
Riding additionally within the entrance group was Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon//SRAM Zondacrypto) who continues to impress following a stellar 2024 season the place she got here sixth total at each the Giro d’Italia and Tour de Suisse.
Niedermaier could not observe Longo Borghini’s assault however the German rider continues to journey strongly, and stays within the white jersey for the perfect younger rider.
“The tempo was fairly quick however regular which was good for me,” Niedermaier mentioned.
“The kick at 3km to go was onerous and you would actually really feel it, however I’m fairly proud of my efficiency.
“It was fairly hectic to the climb and my teammates did a very good job by putting me completely.”
Niedermaier’s efficiency thus far on the race bodes properly for the remainder of the season.
“It’s fairly good to be within the jersey because it’s the primary race of the season and it is all the time good to know the place you’re standing,” she mentioned.
“It’s a little bit of a efficiency examine and I see that I’m doing the correct factor. I do know I’m not on the highest degree proper now however I’m getting there.
“I’ve a variety of large targets this yr, just like the Giro and the World Championships, and I wish to see what I can do there.”
