Paula Blasi ceased to be a surprise a few weeks ago, but winning a Vuelta is a monumental achievement. The reigning European Under-23 champion and bronze medalist at last year’s World Championships in that category, the Spanish rider received the AS Award in December for her outstanding season. Now, in 2026, her growth shows no ceiling, propelling her into the elite group of Grand Tour winners alongside Basque rider Joane Somarriba from the early 2000s.
After stepping onto the podium, where she thanked all her teammates in English, Blasi spoke to AS and other media at the finish line on El Angliru following her triumph (minutes later, a downpour began), and revealed her next competition to this newspaper: the Durango Classic on May 19.
**What is going through your mind right now?** (She wrapped herself up against the cold and rain before speaking.) What a week. Well, what a month. This was my first Grand Tour, and I was fortunate to have an incredible team around me, especially Mavi García, who is like an older sister to me. She helps me, supports me, and is always there. I am grateful and emotional; this victory belongs to everyone. It was the least I could do for them.
**Are you aware of what you have achieved?** Not at all. It will take me several weeks to process it. Mavi told me that when you are at the top and everything goes well, it seems easy, but hard times will come. Life is not a straight line, and that’s when I will appreciate these moments. Now it’s time to enjoy because you only have one life, and this Vuelta is ours.
**How was the climb up El Angliru?** I have never suffered so much in my life. With 4 km to go, I thought it wasn’t that tough, but that’s because the hardest part was still ahead. I almost had to put a foot down because I couldn’t go on, and maybe I started too fast, but from the car they told me that Van der Breggen was struggling, and all I could think about was the red jersey. At those moments, you rely more on your mind than your legs, and the last kilometer felt endless, but it worked out. I approach training and life a bit differently from others. I have often been questioned for it, but everyone has their own style. I don’t find training hard; what I find hard is resting. My approach is paying off, so I want to keep enjoying the process and be happy.
**What is the key to making such a big leap in just two years?** Enjoying what I do. For me, sport is my life. I went through tough times in previous years, and what always saved me was sport. I don’t see it as a job; it’s a joy.
Paula Blasi, the newly crowned winner of La Vuelta, told our colleague @danimiranda9: “You only have one life, and La Vuelta is ours. Time to celebrate…”
**You already have your first Grand Tour. What’s next?** You always have to dream big. People will say I’m crazy, but I like to live with hope and energy. I prefer to try and come close than not know how far I can go. I’m left with the regret of not having won a stage (since 2023, the year La Vuelta was created under this name, no stage has been won by a national rider, but now at least the overall is), but I’ll take the red jersey—it’s great.
**Was this your biggest challenge so far?** My coach believes in me more than I do in myself. He proposes things that seem impossible, things you don’t even consider, and sometimes you achieve them…