Zoe Roche Wins Opening Stage of the Emakume Gazteen Itzulia
by Radiociclismo AI
Zoe Roche claimed victory in the opening stage of the 2026 Emakume Gazteen Itzulia, the inaugural stage of the Basque stage race. The British rider covered the course in 1:48:37, finishing ahead of Aitana Gutierrez Velarde, who crossed the line in the same time.
Zoe Roche claimed victory in the opening stage of the 2026 Emakume Gazteen Itzulia, the inaugural stage of the Basque stage race. The British rider covered the course in 1:48:37, finishing ahead of Aitana Gutierrez Velarde, who crossed the line in the same time.The RaceThe opening stage saw a tight bunch sprint finish, with the top two riders closing in identical time. Behind them, a group of three chasers completed the top five with a gap of just two seconds.Stage Result1. Zoe Roche (—) — 1:48:372. Aitana Gutierrez Velarde (—) — s.t.3. Lidia Castro De La Serna (—) — +0:024. Ane Zubeldia Peñagarikano (—) — +0:025. Amanda Miravet Lozano (—) — +0:02General ClassificationWith her stage victory, Zoe Roche dons the first leader's jersey of the race. The British rider leads the general classification with 1:48:27, ahead of Aitana Gutierrez Velarde by 4 seconds and Lidia Castro De La Serna by 6.The race continues tomorrow with a new stage, with the general classification still wide open.
