Team determined to fight back on final day in Portugal

Stage 4 of the Volta a Portugal Feminina, shortened to 84.5 kilometres due to the wildfires affecting parts of Portugal, brought disappointment for AG Insurance - Soudal after race leader Emma Siegers crashed during the stage.

The 21-year-old came down at high speed after suffering a puncture. Fortunately, the first medical assessment brought reassuring news, with no signs of any fractures. Siegers did sustain several abrasions and wounds, which will continue to be treated by the team’s medical staff.

Despite the setback, AG Insurance - Soudal immediately organised a determined chase in an attempt to limit the damage. The team managed to reduce the gap to around 20 seconds, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to hold on to the yellow jersey.

“Medically, Emma is okay. We don’t think there are any broken bones, which is good. She has quite a few wounds that we’ll take care of, but it was a hard crash at high speed after she suffered a puncture. The girls did absolutely everything they could to bring it back. We got within about 20 seconds, but in the end it was just a bit too much. We lose the general classification for now, but the team is motivated to fight for the yellow jersey again tomorrow,” said Sports Director Dani Christmas.

With one stage remaining, AG Insurance - Soudal remains fully focused on the final day of racing. The team is determined to bounce back and will be looking to reclaim the yellow jersey as the Volta a Portugal Feminina concludes on Sunday.