TTT time gaps signal aggressive GC racing at Vuelta Femenina - Analysis

Riejanne Markus, Amber Kraak, Anna Henderson and Marianne Vos on the podium
Riejanne Markus, Amber Kraak, Anna Henderson and Marianne Vos on the podium (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

Despite only being 14.5 kilometres in length, the team time trial that opened the Vuelta Femenina provided substantial time gaps: There are over five minutes between overall leader Anna Henderson (Team Jumbo-Visma) and the red lantern in 159th place, but most of the GC favourites are within a minute of the red jersey.

Behind Henderson, three of her teammates have the same time. Marianne Vos may well take over the red jersey due to time bonifications in the next couple of days, while Amber Kraak and Riejanne Markus are in the driving seat for the GC fight.

Lukas Knöfler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews’ Women’s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.