Liane Lippert wins the VCV Féminas in a dream race
Movistar achieved its goal of winning the VCV Féminas GP Tuawa in the race that started in Bétera and finished at Valencia’s Marina. The 93-kilometre route was the same as the men’s course, contested a few hours later. Liane Lippert (Movistar) claimed victory with a sharp acceleration after an attack by her team brought back a group of breakaway riders.
The two ascents of the Garbí climb created selection among the 16 teams from Spain, Norway, the United States, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, France, Italy, Australia and the United Kingdom. The international nature of the event brought together the best teams and the top riders.
Movistar had another option, as Spanish champion Sara Martín explained: “We were planning to set a hard pace to wear down the sprinters, but Liane went a few metres clear and we eased off the attacks.” That situation triggered a 10-kilometre chase by the group behind the breakaway.
Liane gave everything over those kilometres, making the most of her effort. As she entered Valencia along a long straight running parallel to Malvarrosa beach, it looked as though she would be caught, but she held on all the way to the finish line. With this victory, Movistar became the only women’s team to claim a second win at the VCV Féminas GP Tuawa, following Dutch rider Floortje Mackaij’s victory in 2023, also with the Movistar squad.
The German rider feels at home racing in Spain: “It was emotional to hear the fans constantly calling my name. It’s true that I have a special relationship with Spain, but I didn’t expect to be one of their riders.”
VCV Féminas GP Tuawa race director Silvia Tirado believes that “the event was a success in terms of participation, especially thanks to the quality of the top teams. The initial break on the Garbí and the chase from behind to catch them was a tactical effort that built from less to more, and the final spectacle with Lippert pushing on every pedal stroke was magnificent.” She also highlighted the organisational side: “Putting the entire men’s race organisation at the service of the women — with staff having to double their efforts — deserves recognition.”
