Demi Vollering starts her cycling season in Spain as the top favorite
The Setmana Valenciana will be highlighted by the season debut of Demi Vollering. The European champion from FDJ United-SUEZ is immediately the big favorite for the overall victory in the Spanish stage race. However, she will have to contend with riders such as Cedrine Kerbaol, Liane Lippert, and Antonia Niedermaier.
What does the route look like?
The riders face four stages in the Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana (UCI 2.Pro). The opening stage around Gandia features a hilly finish, where the favorites will need to be sharp right from the start, while the fast women can prepare for a sprint chance on day two in Vila-Real.
The queen stage is on day three, with the Alto Tudons and Alto Confrides climbs located in the last 50 kilometers. The stage totals over 2,600 meters of elevation gain. Is that tough enough for Vollering? The final stage to Valencia includes some hills but also a flat finish.
What should I know from last year?
Last year, Demi Vollering secured the overall win by immediately making a double move in the opening stage to Gandia. She broke away from Marlen Reusser and Anna van der Breggen in a finale identical to this year's. The subsequent stages were won by Mischa Bredewold and Elisa Balsamo. On the final podium, Reusser and Van der Breggen joined overall winner Vollering.
Who are Demi Vollering’s main rivals?
FDJ United-SUEZ surrounds Demi Vollering with riders including Amber Kraak, Elise Chabbey, and Evita Muzic. They can support the Dutch team leader in the battle against, among others, Cedrine Kerbaol, Antonia Niedermaier, and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio.
Outsiders include Urska Zigart, Pauliena Rooijakkers, and world champion Magdeleine Vallieres, while climbing specialists Liane Lippert, Mie Ottestad, and Maeva Squiban also aim for a strong overall result on this course. Lippert already won a one-day race around Valencia last week, and Squiban was successful in Mallorca earlier this season.
Who should we watch in the sprint finishes?
No Lorena Wiebes in this Spanish race, so there are opportunities in the flat finishes for riders like Elisa Balsamo. The competition comes from the likes of Nienke Veenhoven, Cat Ferguson, and Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini. However, they will need to survive the climbs since every stage includes at least 1,000 meters of elevation.
Where can I follow the Setmana Valenciana for women?
Certainly not on Eurosport or HBO Max. In recent years, the organization of the Valencia Cycling Week has provided an online livestream via YouTube and their official website. Keep an eye on our TV guide for exact broadcast times.
