Vuelta a Extremadura. Winspace remains hungry

Mar 8, 2025, 11:51 PM

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Photo credit : Vuelta a Extremadura

The final stage of the Tour of Extremadura was reduced to 69 km due to dreadful weather conditions, but the WOS riders were not able to show off their climbing skills. Jenaya Francis finished 14th overall, two places ahead of team-mate Nadia Gontova (16th). Report.

“We couldn't have hoped for better.” Jean-Christophe Barbotin, with a clear head, makes no secret of the fact that he would have preferred this final mountain stage. The reason? “We would have had the opportunity to catch up in the overall standings and aim for the top 10, our original objective”, he laments. To be on the safe side, the organizers decided to shorten the course to 69 km.

From a collective point of view, Florence Normand appreciates the team's “good communication”. “We have a lot of cards to play on the mountain stages”, continues the Canadian. “We're constantly making progress.” A sentiment shared by team-mate Constance Valentin. “This work will serve us well for the future.”

“A bright future for Jenaya Francis”, Constance Valentin

The mountain bike specialist, who was in good form during the first two stages before falling ill on Saturday, praises the fine performance of Winspace Orange Seal neo-partner Jenaya Francis. “She has a bright future ahead of her”, she says. At just 20 years of age, the Canadian finished 14th overall and 5th in the youth classification of the Tour of Extremadura, just 53 seconds behind Imogen Wolff (Team Visma - Lease a Bike), winner of the final stage and wearing the white jersey. “Jenaya Francis is one of the stars of tomorrow, along with Nadia Gondova”, says Jean-Christophe Barbotin.

Stage ranking :

Jenaya Francis : 18th

Nadia Gontova : 26th

Camille Fahy : 33rd

Karolina Perekitko : 48th

Constance Valentin : 62nd

General classification :

Jenaya Francis : 14th

Nadia Gontova : 16th

Karolina Perekitko : 38th

Camille Fahy : 43rd

Constance Valentin : 49th