Paula Blasi secured a dominant victory at the Volta a la Molina on Saturday, reinforcing her status as one of the most formidable cyclists in women’s professional racing. The Spanish rider, representing the UAE Team Emirates, extended her unbeaten run to 12 consecutive races this season, according to official UCI race records. Her performance in the Pyrenean stage, which featured steep climbs and technical descents, underscored her versatility and tactical acumen.
Blasi’s win came after a 15-kilometer solo breakaway, a move that saw her pull clear of the peloton on the final ascent to the Molina de Aragón summit finish. The 27-year-old, who has won eight stages across the 2024 Vuelta a España and Vuelta a Asturias this year, finished 2:13 ahead of runner-up Elise Chabbey (Wiggle High5) and 2:41 ahead of third-place finisher Amanda Spratt (Team DSM). The margin of victory marked her largest of the season, according to race organizers.
“This result is a testament to the team’s preparation and my ability to adapt to challenging conditions,” Blasi said in a post-race interview. “The Pyrenees are always a test, but we had a solid plan and executed it perfectly.” Her team’s strategy involved pacing her through the day’s key climbs, allowing her to conserve energy for the final ascent.
The Volta a la Molina, part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, is one of the most grueling stage races on the calendar, with over 1,200 meters of elevation gain per stage. Blasi’s victory adds to her growing list of accomplishments, including a stage win at the 2023 Giro d’Italia and a podium finish at the 2024 Tour de France Femmes. Her dominance has drawn comparisons to male counterparts, with some analysts noting her consistency rivals that of Tadej Pogacar, her teammate at UAE Team Emirates.
“Paula’s ability to perform on mountain stages is exceptional,” said team director Giuseppe Di Grande. “She’s not just a time trialist—she thrives in the mountains, and that’s exactly what this race demands.” The team’s confidence in Blasi has been bolstered by her 2024 form, which includes three stage wins and a second-place overall finish at the Vuelta a Asturias in May.
Blasi’s success in the Pyrenees comes ahead of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, where she is expected to be a major contender. The race, which will feature a 32-kilometer time trial and a steep mountain stage in the Alps, could solidify her reputation as one of the sport’s premier all-rounders. “The Tour is a big goal for us,” Di Grande said. “We’re preparing specifically for the technical challenges and the high altitude.”
The Volta a la Molina’s 2024 edition, held from July 18–21, attracted over 150 riders from 25 teams, including WorldTour and ProTeams. The race’s route, which included stages in Aragon and Navarre, was designed to test climbers and time trialists alike. Blasi’s victory marks her third stage win of the season, with her overall standing in the race remaining unchallenged after two stages.
Cycling analysts have highlighted Blasi’s ability to maintain a high cadence on steep gradients, a skill that has become a hallmark of her racing style. “She’s one of the few riders who can sustain 100 rpm on 15% gradients,” said former pro cyclist Marta Bastidas, who competed against Blasi in the 2023 Giro d’Italia. “Her power-to-weight ratio is elite, and her mental toughness is unmatched.”
Blasi’s dominance has not gone unnoticed by rivals. Chabbey, who finished second in Molina, acknowledged her opponent’s strength. “Paula’s a beast on the climbs,” Chabbey said. “She’s always one step ahead. I’ll need to be smarter in the next stages to challenge her.” Spratt, a two-time world time trial champion, echoed similar sentiments, noting Blasi’s “unrelenting pace” on the final ascent.
The race’s organizers, who cited a 12% increase in global viewership compared to 2023, emphasized the event’s growing importance in women’s cycling. “The Volta a la Molina has become a key test for riders aiming to compete at the highest level,” said spokesperson Carolina Martínez. “Paula’s performance today proves why this race is a must-ride on the calendar.”
Blasi’s next challenge comes in August, when she will compete in the Tour de France Femmes. The 2024 edition, which will begin in Bordeaux and conclude in Paris, features a 32-kilometer time trial and a mountain stage in the Alps. Her team has already begun preparing for the race, with Di Grande stating, “We’re focusing on altitude training and refining our tactics for the time trial.”
The implications of Blasi’s success extend beyond individual achievement. Her performances have contributed to UAE Team Emirates’ strong position in the UCI Women’s Team Rankings, currently sitting in second place. The team’s investment in Blasi, including a multi-year contract signed in 2023, has paid dividends, with her 2024 results boosting the squad’s overall standings.
As the cycling world turns its attention to the Tour de France Femmes, Blasi’s victory in the Pyrenees has set the stage for what could be a historic season. With her form, team support, and the growing visibility of women’s cycling, the 2024 campaign may yet see her challenge for the overall WorldTour title. For now, Blasi remains focused on the next stage, both literally and figuratively.
Next Up: Blasi will compete
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