Published on : 05/16/2026
Our women’s team delivered another strong performance on Stage 2 of the Women’s Tour of the Basque Country. Nikola Noskova spent much of the day out front, while Ema Comte impressed once again by finishing in the group contesting the victory.
The second stage of the Women’s Tour of the Basque Country began under the same rainy skies as the previous day. But it took more than that to discourage our five riders, all determined to help Ema defend her best young rider’s jersey—while also playing an active role in the race.
Nikola Noskova spent a large part of the day at the front after attacking shortly after Milloi and the intermediate sprint. The gap quickly grew beyond one minute. Behind, the team worked to protect their blue-jerseyed leader at the head of the peloton. Nikola’s breakaway eventually came to an end with around fifty kilometers to go, on the slopes of San Pelaio (5.5 km at 4.4%).
The peloton then followed the coastline, notably passing by San Juan de Gaztelugatxe—better known to TV fans as Dragonstone, Daenerys Targaryen’s castle in
Game of Thrones.
It wasn’t until the climb of Aretxabalgane (4.6 km at 5%) that the race favorites decided to make their move. The selection was made there, but Ema Comte, wearing blue today, managed to hold on. Only around twenty riders remained in contention for victory, although a duo featuring Dominika Włodarczyk and Shirin van Anrooij succeeded in breaking clear.
Our climber from Savoie stayed well positioned and crossed the line in the same time as the stage winner and the other general classification contenders.
Ema Comte therefore secured a second consecutive top-20 finish—her first at WorldTour level—and logically retained her best young rider’s jersey.
Nikola Noskova also made it onto the podium ceremony, as her determination was rewarded with the prize for the most combative rider of the day.
Debrief from Arthur Quilliec:
“The day unfolded pretty much exactly as we had planned. Nikola Noskova spent 60 kilometers alone out front. We would have liked other teams to come to the front as well and place someone in the breakaway, but that’s how it goes.
Ema Comte made it over every major climb of the day with the yellow jersey group. She strengthened her hold on the young rider’s jersey a little more, which is a great satisfaction for us.
We hope to have another strong day tomorrow with Ema.”