Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France — June 14, 2025 — Paula Blasi of UAE Team ADQ has extended her lead in the Tour de los Pirineos with a commanding performance in the Col du Tourmalet stage, finishing nearly two minutes ahead of Mavi García. The Catalan rider dominated the 146.3-kilometer stage from Pau to Bagnères-de-Bigorre, crossing the summit of the Tourmalet with a gap that ultimately proved decisive.

Blasi’s victory — her second in this edition of the race — came as she dropped her main rival, Mavi García of Movistar Team, in the early kilometers of the ascent. The margin of nearly two minutes at the finish line represents the largest gap of the stage and cements Blasi’s position at the top of the general classification, according to official race results.

How Blasi’s dominance unfolded: Key moments from the Tourmalet stage

The stage began with a neutralized start in Pau, but the real drama unfolded as the peloton tackled the Col du Tourmalet, a 1,170-meter ascent that has claimed legendary status in cycling. Blasi, known for her climbing prowess, set a relentless pace from the lower slopes, forcing García and others to chase in her wake.

By the time the riders reached the summit at kilometer 105, Blasi had already established a 45-second lead over García. The gap widened further on the descent into Bagnères-de-Bigorre, where Blasi maintained her rhythm while García struggled to recover lost time. The final margin at the line was 1:58, a decisive statement in what has been a tightly contested race so far.

According to stage data provided by the race organizers, Blasi averaged 37.2 km/h over the Tourmalet climb, a pace that left García and other contenders visibly strained. “She just attacked when no one expected it,” said a Movistar Team spokesperson. “Paula knew she had to make her move early if she wanted to keep the race in her hands.”

What this means for the general classification: Blasi’s lead now stands at 1 minute, 12 seconds

With her stage victory, Blasi has pulled away from García in the overall standings. The current gap between the two riders is 1 minute, 12 seconds, according to the official race classification. This margin is significant in a race where seconds often decide the podium.

Blasi now leads the general classification with 14h 32m 12s, while García sits second at 14h 33m 24s. The third-place rider, Anna Kiesenhofer of Canyon-SRAM, is now 2 minutes, 45 seconds behind, further isolating Blasi at the top of the standings.

Note: Standings are based on official race documents as of 16:30 CEST. Any changes in rider availability or stage results will be updated accordingly.

Who else made an impact? Standout performances beyond the podium

While Blasi and García dominated the stage, other riders delivered strong performances that could shape the final classification:

• Julieta González (Trek-Segafredo) finished third on the stage, just 10 seconds behind García. Her consistent climbing form has kept her in contention for a podium spot in the general classification.
• Marta Cavalli (FDJ-Suez) placed fourth, maintaining her position in the top 10 overall. Cavalli’s ability to follow Blasi’s pace suggests she remains a threat in the final stages.
• Eider Merino (Jayco AlUla) finished fifth, securing her place in the top 15. Merino’s performance in the mountains has been a key factor in her rising form this season.

The stage also saw several riders drop out of contention due to mechanical issues or fatigue. Among them, Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) abandoned the stage with a mechanical problem, while Elena Cecchini (Lidl-Trek) finished outside the top 20, further down the standings.

Why the Tourmalet stage was the turning point: A mountain that separates leaders from contenders

The Col du Tourmalet is not just another climb — it is a psychological and physical battleground in the Tour de France and other Grand Tours. At 1,170 meters, its steep gradients (averaging 7.4% with sections exceeding 12%) punish riders who lack climbing specificity.

Blasi’s ability to dictate the pace on this ascent is a testament to her preparation. “She’s been working on her climbing for months,” said her team manager, Jordi Jiménez, in a post-stage interview. “Today was about making sure no one could follow her.”

For García, the stage was a reminder of the challenges ahead. “The Tourmalet is a special climb,” García said after the stage. “You can’t just ride it — you have to attack it. Paula did that perfectly.”

This stage also highlighted the tactical differences between the two riders. Blasi, known for her aggressive climbing style, often takes the initiative on steep ascents, while García prefers to conserve energy before making her move. Today, that strategy backfired.

What happens next? The race heads to Andorra for the final stage

The Tour de los Pirineos concludes on Sunday with a hilly stage from Andorra la Vella to Canillo, a 120-kilometer route featuring multiple categorized climbs. While the stage is not expected to produce a large time gap, it could still see significant movements in the general classification.

Key factors to watch:

• Blasi’s form: If she maintains her rhythm, she could extend her lead further. However, the hilly terrain may favor riders with stronger late-race stamina.
• García’s recovery: The Movistar rider will need to ride defensively to avoid further time losses. Any attack from Blasi or others could push her out of podium contention.
• Time bonuses: The stage includes intermediate sprints where riders can gain seconds. Blasi or García securing bonuses could alter the final standings.

The final podium will be decided on Sunday at 13:00 CEST (11:00 UTC), with the winner crowned in Canillo. Live updates and stage results will be available on the official race website.

How to follow the final stage: Live updates, broadcast details, and key resources

Fans can track the final stage through the following official channels:

• Live timing: Official race website (updated every 10 minutes during the stage).
• Broadcast: The final stage will be available on Eurosport (Channel 1, 13:00 CEST) and La 1 (Spanish TV).
• Social media: Follow @TourPirineos for real-time updates and rider quotes.

Note: All times are local (CEST) unless otherwise specified. For UTC conversions, subtract two hours.