Ella Wylie (Ribe-Allura-Jeico), who returned to racing in the Iturria women's race, won the blue jersey for the best U23 athlete. Wylie, who started the final stage with the same time as the other five riders, earned a two-second bonus time and moved into the lead despite being caught by a peloton whose group was reduced on the final stage.

"It was a big confidence boost, especially after being quiet for a couple of months due to injury. As always, it was a great team effort and I'm happy with today," the 21-year-old told Cycling News.

The stage approached the Mendizoloz climb, where a strong group of riders mixed and split with a breakaway group caught on a steep slope. Demi Vollering (SD Volks Pro Time) took the solo victory, but behind her was a battle for the remaining GC spots and the blue jersey.

"The start of the climb was pretty chaotic due to the lead town and the narrow roads. I felt good," Willy explained.

Willy and 18-year-old Isabella Holmgren (Lidl Trek) were part of the group of nine trailing behind Vollering. The Dutch champion turned out to be gone for good, but the group worked together to gain time in the remaining races.

"There was cooperation, but also with two of Demi's teammates. The best thing for the team and for me was to get the remaining bonus seconds in the intermediate sprints and to be up there in the GC and Young Rider categories," Willi said.

The final intermediate sprint, held 12km from the finish, gave bonus seconds to the first three finishers.

"Today I knew it was important to go for the intermediate sprint. The first sprint was decided in the breakaway group, but the final sprint was something I could have gone for even if Demi had been in front. Some of the girls tried, but I made sure I had it," Willi said.

The two-second bonus gave her an advantage over not only Holmgren, but also Shirin Van Unrooy (Lidl Trek), Marion Bunel (St. Michel Mavic Ober 93), and Julie Bego (Cofidis).