Blasi wins historic first women's Vuelta a España

Quick summary

Paula Blasi became the first Spanish woman to win the Vuelta a España, clinching victory on the final stage atop the brutal Angliru climb in Asturias. The Catalan cyclist defeated Netherlands rider Annemiek Van der Breggen on Europe's most demanding mountain pass to claim the red jersey.

Why it matters

Blasi's breakthrough win signals Spain has a new competitive force in elite cycling—a former duathlete who can now challenge the sport's established leaders in three-week grand tours. If you follow cycling or Spanish sports, expect Blasi's name in contention for Tour de France and Giro d'Italia teams heading into next season.

Key takeaways

• ›Paula Blasi is Spain's first-ever women's Vuelta a España champion after winning on the final stage.
• ›The Angliru climb, with gradients exceeding 20 percent, was the decisive stage that determined the overall classification.
• ›Blasi transitioned from duathlon and middle-distance running to professional cycling before this grand tour victory.
• ›She defeated reigning champion Annemiek Van der Breggen of the Netherlands on the 2,374-metre Asturian mountain pass.