Bunel takes white jersey after an impressive performance in sixth stage La Vuelta Femenina
# Bunel Shines in Stage Six of La Vuelta Femenina, Seizes Young Riders’ Jersey
In a thrilling sixth stage of La Vuelta Femenina, Marion Bunel showcased her cycling prowess, finishing third and moving into the spotlight as she now leads the young riders’ classification. The stage culminated in an intense climb at Les Praeres de Nava, a challenging 3.7-kilometre ascent with an average gradient of 13 percent and steep sections reaching up to an imposing 24 percent.
The race took a dramatic turn as Sarah Van Dam was involved in a crash but remarkably continued on her path. Bunel, alongside teammate Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, received robust support from their team throughout the day, positioning themselves well for the final climb. While Ferrand-Prévot ultimately fell behind the general classification contenders, Bunel demonstrated her strength and endurance, crossing the finish line in an impressive third place behind Anna van der Breggen and Paula Blasi.
“I’m really happy with this. It feels great to reward the team’s hard work,” Bunel expressed after the race. “The atmosphere in the team is very good, and we’ve all done our best to achieve the best possible result. I’m glad I was able to show what I’m capable of.”
Bunel’s performance not only elevated her standing to third place in the general classification but also ignited her motivation to maintain her position and strive for more. “I’m really motivated to hold on to this third place and see if I can achieve even more,” she added. Looking ahead to the next stage, which includes the notorious Angliru climb, she acknowledged the unpredictability that lies ahead.
Ferrand-Prévot praised her teammates for their collective effort in the race, saying, “We were exactly where we wanted to be at every crucial point. The team did a truly fantastic job. At the foot of the climb, I saw Marion pass me, and it seemed best to go for a good result with her. I’m really happy for her that she did so well.”
As the competitors prepare for the upcoming stages, the stakes are higher than ever. With Bunel establishing herself as a formidable contender, fans and teammates alike eagerly anticipate the next chapter of this gripping competition.
### Stage 6 Results
1. **Anna van der Breggen** (Team SD Worx – Protime) – 03:01:45
2. **Paula Blasi** (UAE Team ADQ) – +00:00:08
3. **Marion Bunel** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:00:29
22. **Pauline Ferrand-Prévot** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:02:06
34. **Sarah Van Dam** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:04:10
### General Classification After Stage 6
1. **Anna van der Breggen** – 18:06:48
2. **Paula Blasi** – +00:00:18
3. **Marion Bunel** – +00:00:41
16. **Pauline Ferrand-Prévot** – +00:02:22
27. **Sarah Van Dam** – +00:04:22
With themes of teamwork and resilience resonating throughout the event, La Vuelta Femenina continues to capture the spirit of women’s cycling.
