Bäckstedt dominates time trial in Spain, but top climber Squiban also makes a big impression

The Vuelta Extremadura traditionally marks the first stage race in Spain of the season. The race has been held since 2023, and Dutch riders have enjoyed an excellent record in the event: Mareille Meijer won the overall title in 2024, while Ellen van Dijk took victory last year. This season, however, the riders were presented with a much tougher route.

The three-day race features two demanding mountain stages, but first the riders had to tackle the individual time trial. The now-retired Van Dijk would have loved an opportunity like this, but this time the spotlight was on other specialists. Brodie Chapman was one of the names mentioned beforehand, as was Zoe Bäckstedt. Over 18 flat kilometres against the clock, meaningful gaps were always likely.

As more riders crossed the line, it became increasingly clear that Coupland had produced a very strong ride. Italian champion Vittoria Guazzini never really threatened the benchmark, and Antonia Niedermaier, sixth in the world time trial championship in Kigali, also had to concede 19 seconds. Would it prove to be the fastest time of the day? No, because top climber Maeva Squiban (UAE Team ADQ) surprisingly went quicker.

As more riders crossed the line, it became increasingly clear that Coupland had produced a very strong ride. Italian champion Vittoria Guazzini never really threatened the benchmark, and Antonia Niedermaier, sixth in the world time trial championship in Kigali, also had to concede 19 seconds. Would it prove to be the fastest time of the day? No, because top climber Maeva Squiban (UAE Team ADQ) surprisingly went quicker.