Paula Blasi Tour debut questions followed her into the Tour de France Femmes, and she answered them in Nice.
The 23-year-old Catalan finished fifth overall on Sunday for UAE Team L’IMAD. Her result capped a major season after her overall victory at the Vuelta a España Femenina in May.
Blasi arrived at the Tour as the reigning Vuelta champion. That status created debate around her exact role beside Elisa Longo Borghini.
Across spring and early summer, media reports weighed a co-leadership scenario against a support role. Before the race, Blasi told EFE she would go to Nice to help the team.
By the finish, UAE Team L’IMAD had placed two riders inside the top five. Longo Borghini reached the podium, while Blasi confirmed herself as a rising GC rider.
Paula Blasi Tour debut confirms her GC level
Blasi spoke to AS after the final stage and described a steep learning curve. She said there was “no comparison” between the rider who started the Tour and the one who finished it.
She called the race “a rollercoaster” and highlighted positioning as a major lesson. When poorly placed on climbs, she said, a rider must produce far more power from behind.
That experience mattered because Blasi entered the race under fresh scrutiny. Her Vuelta victory had earned her selection, but she wanted more than a start.
Blasi told AS she wanted to show the Vuelta “wasn’t a fluke.” She added that this aim pushed her to give everything at the Tour.
The result gave her a firm answer. Fifth overall placed her among the strongest general classification riders in the race.
It also showed she could contribute to a team-wide GC campaign. UAE Team L’IMAD combined Longo Borghini’s podium with Blasi’s top-five finish.
Learning from Longo Borghini
Blasi said working with Longo Borghini brought important tactical lessons. She described the Italian’s experience as central to her own development during the race.
In particular, Blasi pointed to energy management and timing. She said Longo Borghini helped her understand when to conserve strength and when to attack.
Blasi also measured herself against Demi Vollering of FDJ United-Suez and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney of Canyon//SRAM. She said she remains one or two steps behind them.
Still, she believes the gap can shrink. Blasi said she can return next year with Tour experience and target a podium.
Her longer ambition reaches beyond that. She told AS that challenging for the yellow jersey is the goal she is working toward.
Contract questions remain around Blasi
Blasi’s racing future remains one of the biggest stories in women’s cycling. She has a UAE Team L’IMAD contract through the end of 2027.
That contract includes a €100,000 buyout clause. Movistar Team, Lidl-Trek, FDJ United-Suez and Uno-X Mobility have all shown interest.
Wielerflits reported in June that Blasi had signed a Movistar deal for 2027. The reported salary sat just under one million euros per season.
Blasi addressed the topic before the Tour on the In de Waaier podcast. She said then that “the market is still open.”
UAE Team L’IMAD also made a late effort to keep her. Team president Melissa Moncada met Blasi and agent Alex Carera in Nice after the Tour.
That meeting formed part of a final push from the team. UAE Team L’IMAD had reportedly offered a contract extension through 2029.
For now, Blasi’s next confirmed target lies with Spain. She will lead the Spanish national team at the UCI Road World Championships in September.
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