Océane Mahé 3rd of the 2nd stage of the Vuelta Extremadura

“The start of the race was complicated as I almost got trapped in the kerbs, but we all managed to get back on track, except for Maëva who unfortunately got caught up in a crash. We had to reorganize tactically, and by mutual agreement with the girls, we decided to play either Lotte’s card or mine. Halfway through the race, the leaders of the teams aiming for the overall classification came out, and I didn’t hesitate to go with them. We found ourselves five in front, and a Movistar competitor came back from behind. We arrived two minutes ahead of the pack. Weather conditions deteriorated towards the end, with rain and hail. Two girls went out at that point, and in the final, with three kilometers of bumps, I caught up with the three girls on the counter, and took 3rd place, attacking every five hundred meters. That was the last of my strength. I’m satisfied, I’m third in the provisional overall classification, best young rider. Now it’s up to me to confirm this fine day in the final individual time trial tomorrow”.