'In the end, I just came up short' –Anna van der Breggen loses La Vuelta Femenina in final 4km on 'frustrating' Angliru

Anna van der Breggen, directing SD Worx-Protime, saw her team's GC aspirations for La Vuelta Femenina slip away in the final 4km of the Angliru summit finish. Demi Vollering, leading the charge, ultimately finished second overall, 17 seconds behind eventual winner Annemiek van Vleuten. Despite the narrow GC loss, SD Worx-Protime secured three stage wins, the points jersey with Marianne Vos, the team prize, and Vollering's podium spot, marking a dominant, if not entirely successful, performance.

This outcome, while frustrating for Van der Breggen and Vollering, highlights the fierce rivalry at the pinnacle of women's cycling. Van Vleuten's experience and tactical prowess on the final climb proved decisive, showcasing why she remains the benchmark, even against a team as formidable as SD Worx-Protime. The team's collective strength, however, suggests that their multi-pronged attack strategy, though falling short on GC this time, is a potent force that will continue to challenge for overall honours throughout the season.

Ultimately, SD Worx-Protime's "disappointment" is one many teams would envy. They won the battle, but Van Vleuten, as ever, won the war.