The excitement is building as the Brabantse Pijl for women approaches, set to take place on Friday, April 18, 2025. This year marks the race's tenth edition, and it promises to be a thrilling contest as top cyclists gear up for the event. Starting in Lennik and culminating in Overijse, the race is classified as 1.Pro, making it a significant fixture on the women’s cycling calendar.
Marianne Vos, a living legend in women's cycling, won the inaugural Brabantse Pijl in 2016 and is set to compete again this year. Following her victory, the race has seen a variety of champions, including the likes of Grace Brown, Marta Bastianelli, Demi Vollering, Silvia Persico, and Elisa Longo Borghini, who claimed the title last year. With a rich history already established, the anticipation for this year’s race is palpable.
The course will cover a distance of 138.5 kilometers, featuring challenging climbs that are expected to test the riders' endurance and strategy. The route includes notable climbs such as the Hertstraat (0.7 km at 4.7%), Moskesstraat (0.5 km at 4.9%), Holstheide (1 km at 5.3%), and S-bocht (1.3 km at 4.2%). After completing these climbs, the riders will tackle three local laps around Overijse, where the final showdown will unfold.
Weather conditions for the race day are predicted to be quite pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 18 degrees Celsius and light winds from the north. This should create a favorable environment for both the cyclists and the spectators.
As the race day approaches, the participant list has drawn considerable interest. Notably absent from the lineup is Demi Vollering, who has opted to focus on the upcoming Amstel Gold Race, leaving the competition wide open. In her place, Jade Wiel has been confirmed to race for FDJ-Suez. The absence of Vollering, who has been a strong contender in previous editions, raises the stakes for other competitors.
Elisa Longo Borghini, last year’s champion, is back in action after recovering from a concussion sustained during the Ronde van Vlaanderen. "I have no problems anymore and feel ready to race," Longo Borghini stated, clearly eager to defend her title. She will be joined by Silvia Persico, the 2023 winner, both riding for UAE Team ADQ, making them a formidable duo in this year’s race.
Marianne Vos, now 37, remains a fierce competitor. Her recent performance in Paris-Roubaix showcased her enduring capabilities, and fans are eager to see if she can recapture the magic that led her to victory in 2016. Vos's presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the event as she aims to secure another win in a race she helped establish.
Other notable participants include Anna van der Breggen, who is expected to play a crucial role for SD Worx-Protime. Despite the absence of Lotte Kopecky, the team still boasts strong riders like Mischa Bredewold and Femke Gerritse, who could surprise in the final stages of the race.
In addition to the favorites, the field is packed with talent, including Olympic champion Kristen Faulkner, who is competing in her second race of the year. Other riders to watch include Cat Ferguson (Movistar), Urska Zigart, Alexandra Manly (Liv-Jayco-AlUla), and Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek), all of whom have the potential to shake things up.
As the race unfolds, fans will be able to catch all the action live. The Brabantse Pijl will be broadcast on HBO Max and Proximus, Pickx+ Sports 1, starting at 12:30 PM on April 18. With the excitement building and the stakes higher than ever, this year’s Brabantse Pijl promises to deliver a thrilling day of cycling.
With a rich history and a competitive field, the Brabantse Pijl for women is set to be a highlight of the cycling calendar. As riders prepare to tackle the challenging course, all eyes will be on the favorites to see who will emerge victorious and take home the coveted title.
