Usoa Ostolaza Makes History for Laboral Kutxa with Podium Finish at Vuelta a Burgos

In a landmark moment for Basque cycling, Usoa Ostolaza has secured the first-ever WorldTour stage race podium for her team, Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi. The 28-year-old climber delivered a gritty, tactical performance on the final stage of the Vuelta a Burgos Féminas, finishing third overall after a dramatic comeback on the iconic Lagunas de Neila ascent.

For Ostolaza, the result serves as the ultimate confirmation of her rapid evolution within the professional peloton. Having transitioned from a triathlon background to road racing in 2020, her ascent to the elite level has been marked by steady improvement. This spring, she signaled her intent with a fourth-place overall finish at the Vuelta Femenina and a seventh-place result at the Itzulia Women, proving she belongs among the sport’s premier climbers.

A Test of Grit on the Lagunas de Neila

The final stage of the Vuelta a Burgos Féminas is notorious for its brutal gradients and Sunday’s race was no exception. As the peloton hit the steepest sections of the 6km climb to the Lagunas de Neila summit, the pressure proved immediate. Ostolaza found herself in early difficulty, losing contact with the group of favorites as the pace intensified.

“I didn’t feel at my best today,” Ostolaza admitted following the stage. “On the final climb, I struggled to find my rhythm, settle into the race, and pace my effort.”

However, the Basque rider refused to concede. While Yara Kastelijn of Fenix-Premier Tech and FDJ-Suez’s Évita Muzic pushed clear at the front of the race, Ostolaza recalibrated her effort. Finding a second wind, she clawed her way back to the chase group before launching a decisive attack near the flamme rouge. Her solo push shattered the remnants of the pack, allowing her to bridge the gap and secure the third step on the podium behind stage winner Kastelijn and runner-up Muzic.

Building a Legacy for Laboral Kutxa

This result is more than a personal milestone for the 28-year-old; It’s a watershed moment for Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi. Since joining the team in 2021, Ostolaza has been a centerpiece of their development, and she was quick to credit the collective effort behind her success.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have secured the team’s first-ever podium finish in a WorldTour stage race,” she said. “My teammates and the staff have done an incredible job every single day; I had great support, and they put a lot of confidence in me, I am very grateful for that.”

The achievement underscores the growth of the Laboral Kutxa project, which has aimed to provide a pathway for Basque talent to compete at the highest level of international road cycling. By capturing a WorldTour podium, Ostolaza has validated the team’s long-term investment in its riders and its commitment to challenging the established European powerhouses.

Looking Ahead

The Vuelta a Burgos Féminas podium marks the end of a demanding block of spring racing for Ostolaza. Having navigated the Vuelta Femenina, Itzulia Women, and Burgos in quick succession, the focus now shifts toward recovery and preparation for the remainder of the 2026 season.

For fans looking to follow Ostolaza’s continued progress, official updates regarding the team’s next competition schedule are expected to be released via the Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi official communications channels in the coming weeks. As the cycling calendar pivots toward mid-summer, all eyes will be on whether the Basque climber can maintain this momentum on the international stage.

What do you think of Ostolaza’s breakout season? Join the conversation in the comments below and share your thoughts on the rising stars of the women’s WorldTour.