Lauren Dickson (FDJ-Suez) and Paula Blasi (UAE Team ADQ) have been
the standout revelations of the season in women’s cycling so far, but on Friday they both faced setbacks. Dickson crashed at the Tour de Suisse,
while Blasi’s bike was stolen after the first stage of the Tour of Catalonia.
Dickson made her professional debut this season with
FDJ-Suez, after the 26-year-old had previously competed in ultrarunning and triathlon. With the French team, she immediately made her mark at the highest level. In the Giro d'Italia, she was the key climbing support rider for Demi Vollering, after having already finished fourth in the Tour of the Basque Country.
Blasi's Bike Stolen During the Tour of Catalonia
The first stage of the Tour of Catalonia ended in a
1-2 finish for Visma | Lease a Bike, with Nienke Veenhoven and Marianne Vos. After the stage, the bike belonging to Amstel Gold Race and Vuelta winner Blasi—who was also the top favorite in the stage race—was stolen.
"After Stage 1 of the Tour of Catalonia, Paula's Colnago Y1Rs road bike was stolen in Santa Susanna. The bike features the official team colors of UAE Team ADQ and is highly recognizable. "If you have any information, please contact the local authorities," her team said.