17 May 2017
BIRA, MARTA BASTIANELLI WINS THE STAGE ONE
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The 30th edition of the Basque Stage race has begun with a triumph for the #YellowFluoOrange colours, thanks to the former World Champion who dominated the opening stage (Iurreta - Iurreta, 50 kms), beating the Australian Gracie Elvin and the Brit Katie Archibald. Soraya Paladin took an important 12th place and Ane Santesteban could jump to the sixth place in the GC for the intermediate bonuses.
Marta Bastianelli, who could be in the breakaway for 40 kms yesterday in the Durango race, could recover well to win the bunch sprint today, one of the biggest goals for the team directed by Fabiana Luperini.
The Team Alè - Cipollini - Galassia leads the Team Ranking, Ane Santesteban is the best Basque Athlete, leading with 1’’ gap from her main rivals. Marta Bastianelli is first in the GC and in the Regularity Classification. “The team was fantastic and did a wonderful work” - so was the comment of Fabiana Luperini - “We are the most representative team now in this race and we are just at its beginning. There is still a lot to do.”
The second stage (90.2 kms in Markina/Xemein)will take place tomorrow.
RESULTS 30° EMAKUMEEN BIRA STAGE 1:
1. Marta BASTIANELLI
2. Gracie Elvin
3. Katie Archibald
12. Soraya PALADIN
17. Daiva TUSLAITE
40. Ane SANTESTEBAN
63. Martina ALZINI
79. Anisha VEKEMANS
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 1:
1. Marta BASTIANELLI 1h17’28’‘
2. Gracie Elvin +4’‘
3. Katie Archibald +6’‘
6. Ane SANTESTEBAN +9’’
14. Soraya PALADIN +10’’
19. Daiva TUSLAITE +10’’
63. Martina ALZINI +1’55’’
79. Anisha VEKEMANS +1’55’‘