The Spanish Women's Road Cycling Team is set to make its debut for the 2025 season at the eagerly anticipated Challenge de Mallorca, which will kick off on January 25. This race marks the beginning of the professional women's road cycling calendar for the year and serves as the first competitive event for the Spanish national team this season.
The Challenge de Mallorca will span three days, featuring three distinct trophies: the Marratxí-Felanitx on January 25, the Palma-Castell de Bellver on January 26, and the Binissalem-Port d’Andratx on January 27. Each event will allow participating teams to rotate cyclists, ensuring strategic flexibility as teams vie for victory across varied terrains.
Under the helm of Gema Pascual, the recently renewed coach of the national team, seven top cyclists have been selected to represent Spain: Mavi García, Mireia Benito, Ainara Albert, Marina Garau, Susana Pérez, Ingrid Ruiz, and Alicia González. Mavi García, a standout figure in women’s cycling, is returning to the Challenge after earning third place last year at the Palma Trophy and finishing sixth at the Binissalem-Andratx. Known for her ability to navigate the demanding conditions of Mallorca, she is expected to be one of the pivotal drivers for the team this year.
The first race, Marratxí-Felanitx, will see participants tackle 129.1 km, starting from García’s hometown. The route features a significant challenge with its double ascent at Hereu Mas, categorized as fourth-class, likely setting the stage for a sprint finish.
The Palma Trophy will follow, extending slightly to 129.5 km but presenting even steeper challenges, particularly in its closing 35 kilometers where the cyclists will have to summit the Coll des Grau and Coll de sa Creu before reaching the finish at Castell de Bellver.
The competition will culminate with the most difficult event, the Binissalem-Port d’Andratx, which comprises 107.5 km and includes several hard ascents, including the second-category Coll den Claret and the first-category climb to Port d’Andratx. These demanding routes highlight the increasing competitiveness of women’s road cycling.
This year’s Challenge de Mallorca is particularly significant not just for the athletes but also for Gema Pascual, who has expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC). She stated, “I’m very grateful to President José Vicioso and the Board for their trust. I have high hopes for leading the selection and developing a strong sports project during this new Olympic cycling season.”
Pascual has been instrumental in the growth of women’s cycling in Spain, and her leadership will be tested as the team embarks on its campaign. The timing of the Challenge coincides with heightened interest and participation levels in women's cycling, seen as rapidly progressing within the sport.
Previously competing herself, Pascual received accolades for her performance, including winning medals at international championships. After assuming her current role, she has not only guided young talent but also provided exposure for established cyclists to shine on larger stages. She believes 2025 is the perfect year to showcase the “promising generation” of cyclists.
Many expect the Challenge de Mallorca to be more than just races but rather the starting point for what could be pivotal performances for the team moving forward. With increased visibility of women's cycling leading to more competitions, anticipation is high among fans and cycling enthusiasts alike. Alongside growing audiences, this shift also reflects cultural changes embracing gender equity within sports, both at grassroots and professional levels.
This year, the Spanish Women’s Cycling Team will aim to leave their mark through strategic racing during the Challenge. Given the course layout and the cyclists’ strengths, there are expectations for tactical displays of endurance and speed.
Social media channels and platforms will undoubtedly buzz with excitement as fans rally behind the Spanish cyclists, offering support via the hashtag #TeamESPciclismo. The RFEC encourages cycling enthusiasts to tune in and celebrate the achievements of women cyclists, highlighting the event as not just competitive but also as part of the rising tide of respect and visibility sought by women athletes.
With the Challenge just around the corner, all eyes will be on how the Spanish Women's Road Cycling Team executes their strategy and showcases their talent. It will be thrilling to see if the team can achieve outstanding results, marking their season debut with glory.
For continuous updates about the race and the selection, interested parties can stay connected through official federation announcements and sports news outlets, witnessing each moment leading up to and during the races.