Blasi: Queen of Tourmalet
Catalan Cyclist Paula Blasi Conquers Iconic Tourmalet Mountain Solo, Wins Stage Two
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Catalan cyclist Paula Blasi delivered one of the most commanding performances in recent women's climbing history on Saturday, attacking solo with 40 kilometers to go and crossing the finish line in Bagnères-de-Bigorre nearly two minutes ahead of her nearest rival. The 23-year-old UAE Team ADQ rider conquered the iconic Col du Tourmalet alone to win Stage 2 of the Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées, according to Cycling News.
The victory effectively ends the general classification battle ahead of Sunday's final stage. Blasi now holds a 1:59 lead — her actual on-the-road margin, since the 2026 edition carries no time bonuses, according to ProCyclingUK.
Solo Attack on the Tourmalet Leaves Rivals Stunned
With 10 kilometers left to the Tourmalet summit, Blasi launched her move from a small group of favorites. No rival answered. She crested the 2,115-meter peak alone, holding a 1:30 gap over the chasing group, according to Cycling News. She then held her speed on the technical descent into Bagnères-de-Bigorre — a section where leaders often lose time — to finish solo at 2:03 PM.
Her teammate Dominika Włodarczyk finished second, winning the sprint in the chasing group. Emily Dixon of Canyon-SRAM Generation took third. Two-time defending champion Usoa Ostolaza crossed the line 3:45 down in eighth place, ending her bid for a third consecutive title, according to Pro Cycling Stats.
UAE Team ADQ's Tactical Checkmate Shut Down All Rivals
Blasi's team played the stage perfectly. By placing Włodarczyk inside the chasing group, UAE Team ADQ forced rival squads like FDJ United-SUEZ and Cofidis to drive the pace. They couldn't or wouldn't. That forced neutralization meant no organized pursuit ever formed behind Blasi, according to ProCyclingUK.
Blasi described her move as instinctive. "It wasn't really the plan to go on a solo attack from that far out," she said. "I realized it was time to commit, and I'm really happy." Analysts noted that her bike-handling on the descent showed remarkable skill for a rider who only switched from running to cycling two years ago.
From Injured Runner to Queen of the Pyrenees in Two Years
As recently as February 2024, Blasi was a 21-year-old student preparing for the Spanish Duathlon Championships. A foot injury forced her to stop running. She joined local club Massi-Baix Ter to stay fit on a bike. By June 2024, she was the Spanish Under-23 Time Trial champion, according to Escape Collective.
In May 2026, she became the first Spanish woman to win the Vuelta Femenina, famously dropping Anna van der Breggen on the brutal Angliru climb, according to CPA Women. She currently sits second in the UCI World Rankings. Fans on cycling forums have called her racing style "choosing violence" — a nod to her aggressive, all-or-nothing attacks.
Final Stage Sunday: Blasi Poised to Claim Overall Title
The third and final stage runs 114.4 kilometers from Nay to Jurançon on Sunday. The rolling, bumpy terrain offers opportunities for attackers. But a nearly two-minute cushion gives UAE Team ADQ enormous tactical room to defend, according to ProCyclingUK.
The 2026 Tour Féminin des Pyrénées was upgraded to UCI 2.Pro status this season, attracting stronger teams and making Blasi's margin even more impressive. Some analysts note that several top WorldTour climbers were absent, training at altitude ahead of the Tour de France Femmes. Even so, her 40-kilometer solo ride over a 7.4% average-gradient climb is a result that speaks for itself, according to Domestique Cycling.
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