Spanish champion Mavi Garcia gave a brave and attacking performance on stage two of the Itzulia Women to take second place and move onto the overall podium.
The veteran used all her experience as she followed a series of dangerous moves in the final 30km of the hilly stage before battling for the victory in Basauri.
The short and punchy 104km day burst into life over the final categorised climb as a threatening group of three riders escaped. Garcia then bridged the gap in a group of five chasers before a larger group containing her Liv AlUla Jayco teammates joined the head of the race with just 15km to go.
A number of attacks then came and went before Garcia jumped across to Juliette Labous, with the duo quickly joined by race leader Mischa Bredewold. The three attackers initially worked well together, but with Bredewold soon refusing to work, Garcia focused on putting time into her rivals for the general classification fight.
As the finish line approached, Garcia drove all the way to the line to take second place on the day and move into third place overall with one stage remaining.
Mavi Garcia:
“After spending a hard period during La Vuelta after the cold Ardennes I had not managed to feel well, but I have been recovering and finally yesterday and today have been good days and I feel strong again! I think tomorrow we have to fight for the podium!”
2024 Itzulia Women – Stage 2:
1. Mischa Bredewold 2:34:27
2. Mavi Garcia (Liv AlUla Jayco) +0:01
3. Juliette Labous ST
2024 Itzulia Women – GC:
1. Mischa Bredewold 6:00:02
2. Juliette Labous +0:14
3. Mavi Garcia (Liv AlUla Jayco) +0:15
Photo: Sprint Cycling
