Petra Stiasny ascends to glory in 'my happy place' Alto de L'Angliru at La Vuelta Femenina

Petra Stiasny, riding for Fenix-Deceuninck, secured a monumental victory on Stage 7 of La Vuelta Femenina, conquering the formidable Alto de L'Angliru. The 21-year-old Swiss climber, making her Grand Tour debut, launched a decisive attack from a breakaway group, holding off the GC favourites to cross the summit finish line alone. This landmark win marks her first professional road victory and a significant upset on one of cycling's most feared ascents.

This triumph on the Angliru is particularly noteworthy given Stiasny's relative inexperience at this level and the climb's fearsome reputation, often dubbed 'the beast'. Her pre-race declaration that the Angliru was "my happy place" and a target since the route announcement speaks to a rare blend of confidence and specific preparation. For Fenix-Deceuninck, this stage win provides a crucial highlight in a race dominated by SD Worx-Protime, demonstrating strategic acumen and emerging talent.

Stiasny's performance suggests that while the peloton may have underestimated her, the Angliru certainly did not; it simply yielded to a rider who truly understood its unique demands.