La Vuelta Femenina stage 1 LIVE: Race kicks off on hilly route in Galicia

There’s no time trial in this year’s race – the organisers opted to leave out the opening stage team time trial that has kicked off proceedings since the race began in its new extended format in 2022.

There is plenty of variation during the seven days, however, with arguably the toughest final mountain test in the race’s history, as the women will battle up the mighty Angliru.

Despite the wet conditions, riders begin to shed layers as they prepare for action.

The first attacker of the race is Andrea Casagranda from the Italian continental team, Vini Fantini-BePink, but she is caught by the pursuing peloton.

No breakaway as yet, with just over 10 kilometres of racing having elapsed.

Winner of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, much attention will be directed towards Visma-Lease a Bike’s Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. She cannot be counted out as a GC threat, despite the fact she is building towards a defence of her title in France in July.

Breakout star of the spring Classics, winning Amstel Gold Race and finishing in the top five of all three Ardennes Classics, home talent Paula Blasi (UAE Team ADQ) will hope to make an impression on her debut at La Vuelta Femenina.

One of the favourites for this year’s overall victory, Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon//SRAM-zondacrypto, greets the crowd ahead of today’s first stage.

Bad weather, but good vibes, on the start line at La Vuelta Femenina.

It’s a wet day in Marín as the race rolls out for the neutralised start. Stage 1 will be underway shortly.

Demi Vollering (FDJ SUEZ) reigned supreme at last year’s Vuelta Femenina, but the Dutchwoman does not return to defend her title this year, shifting focus instead to the Giro d’Italia Women after a strong Classics campaign.

There are no shortage of contenders for the overall victory, however – check out our guide to the key contenders for an insight into who to look out for on the Spanish roads over the next seven days.