June 3rd, 2023
Spaniard from Movistar Team unstoppable one stage four of Vuelta a Andalucía: beats race contenders with attacking exhibition, gives Blues 15th win in 2023.
Leaving behind a plethora of physical difficulties and setbacks over the last two years after a promising WorldTour debut in 2021, Sara Martín (Movistar Team) claimed on Saturday her maiden pro success at the Vuelta a Andalucía. este sábado con su primera victoria en profesionales en la Vuelta a Andalucía. And how strong she was. The rider from Aranda de Duero (Burgos) took the better from the favourites’ peloton after spending most of the 90km stage four, from Pizarra to Mijas, on the attack.
She first launched a move after 25km, finding response from no less than race leader Tamara Dronova (CGS); later on, halfway through the race, she joined a four-woman attempt with Villalón (EIC), Espínola (CSG) and Stannard (CGS); and only the latter stayed with her into a slope with 9km to go, after which both worked together up to the final, uphill sprint on Málaga soil. Martín won convincingly, giving the women’s Movistar Team their third success in 2023 and taking the Abarca Sports organisation to 15 wins this year.
Hampered on Friday by an ill-timed mechanical during the Queen stage -where Katrine Aalerud consolidated a 2nd spot overall she still holds-, Martín could take that grudge off her back in the best possible way. This will surely be a morale boost that must mark a turning point to the career of one of the most resounding names in Spanish cycling.
REACTION / Sara Martín:
“I’m so, so happy. We fought so hard over the whole stage, trying to make a hard race which favoured our chances. I was finally able to open that gap with the four-woman group, I had the legs, and then went on to escape with Stannard and beat her into the sprint. I’m so emotional about this, and so happy about the win. This pays back for all the work we’ve been doing together this week. Last year’s Vuelta a Andalucía was so special for the Movistar Team, and we were aiming at victories again in 2023. We’re enjoying this race so much. I want to dedicate this victory to my family and the people who have supported me, been around me – especially in tough times.”
