Plans are underway for a women’s version of Milan-San Remo, one of cycling’s prestigious spring classics, currently the only one without a female counterpart. According to Giro organisers RCS, they are looking to launch this event by 2025. The new race would feature iconic climbs such as Cipressa and Poggio, concluding in Sanremo, similar to the men’s event. The course for the women’s race, however, would be shorter, ranging between 130 and 180 kilometres, likely starting in Genoa. This adjustment would allow the women’s peloton to tackle the same challenging final stretches as their male coun ..read more

Stage 4 of the 2024 Giro d’Italia unfolds over 190 km from Acqui Terme to Andora, tracing the Ligurian coast with a setup reminiscent of Milan-Sanremo. The stage promises a blend of scenic routes and strategic sprint opportunities, making it a day for the fast finishers to shine. Route Analysis The stage profile is predominantly flat, though it incorporates the Colle Melogno—an 8.8 km climb with a 4.3% average gradient—in the central section. Following the ascent, a lengthy descent leads to Savona, after which the route mirrors the familiar paths of Milan-Sanremo towards Andora. This transitio ..read more

Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step clinched victory in a riveting sprint finish in Stage 3 of the Giro d’Italia, which spanned 166km from Novara to Fossano. In a fiercely contested finale, Merlier outpaced Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek and Biniam Girmay of Intermarché-Wanty to secure the win, while UAE Team Emirates’ Tadej Pogacar retained the Maglia Rosa, extending his lead in the overall standings. The stage unfolded with high drama as a late attack in the final kilometres nearly reshaped the day’s results. Pogacar, along with Geraint Thomas of Ineos Grenadiers and Mikkel Honoré of EF Education ..read more

Itzulia Women 2024 History Itzulia Women comes straight off the back of the Vuelta Femenina and covers the ground that the old Emakumeen Bira used to. The Basque Country has pretty much always had a major women’s tour and the current incarnation is the Itzulia Women. It went straight into the Women’s WorldTour calendar when it came into inception in 2022 and has delivered some great racing already. It’s almost an expanded version of the Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa that was already in existence on either side of the Covid calendar changes. 2022’s first edition saw Demi Vollering absolutel ..read more

Exciting news emerged today from the cycling world as Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL announced the extension of their contract with promising Dutch rider, Nienke Vinke. The young talent, adorned in the team’s distinctive two-striped jersey, will continue to represent the squad until at least the conclusion of 2026. Vinke’s journey into elite racing has been nothing short of impressive, particularly after transitioning directly from the junior ranks. In 2023, she showcased her potential by contributing significantly to the team’s objectives while gaining invaluable experience across various race for ..read more

In a thrilling conclusion to the Trofee Maarten Wynants, Finnish champion Anniina Ahtosalo showcased her sprinting prowess to take victory in Helchteren. The race, which unfolded over eleven local laps and featured minimal elevation changes, naturally culminated in a mass sprint after 116 kilometres of competitive riding. Despite the flat course setting the stage for a sprinters’ showdown, it was Ahtosalo who outshone the field, including top favourite Chiara Consonni, who had to settle for third place behind the swift Scarlett Souren of the Netherlands. Ahtosalo, who rides for Uno-X Mobility ..read more

Demi Vollering sealed her overall victory at the 2024 La Vuelta Femenina in spectacular fashion, delivering a solo win on the mountainous final stage to Valdesquí. The Dutch champion, riding for SD Worx-Protime, made a decisive attack with just over 6 kilometres to go, leaving her competitors trailing as she powered her way to the finish line in the red leader’s jersey. “It was a bit nerve-wracking with the last climb not being very steep. But when we turned and had the wind at our back, I knew I had to make my move,” Vollering explained. She added, “I’m thrilled to have secured my overall vic ..read more

So we’ve come to the final stage of this year’s Vuelta Femenina and it’s a final one for riders to secure or rescue their GC hopes. There are a pair of tough categorised climbs on the route, the first – Puerto de La Morcuera – is 9.2 km, and an average gradient of 7% and the second – Valdesquí. Comunidad de Madrid – is 12.7 km, and an average gradient of 4.9%. For most, the GC is a foregone conclusion. It’s tough to see how Demi Vollering will lose 52 seconds to Elisa Longo Borghini, let alone over a minute to the likes of Riejanne Markus, Juliette Labous, her own teammate ..read more

The Trofee Maarten Wynants is a prestigious women’s cycling race held each year in Helchteren, Belgium. It is named in honour of Maarten Wynants, a celebrated Belgian cyclist, and aims to promote women’s participation in the sport. This event is a key part of the Lotto Cycling Cup, drawing skilled cyclists from across the world who come to test their mettle on its demanding course. The race usually takes place in the spring and features a mix of flat sections and gentle hills, presenting both tactical challenges and a test of endurance for the participants. Riders must tackle multiple laps of ..read more

After an electrifying start to the 107th Giro d’Italia, the peloton is bracing for a gruelling challenge on Stage 2. The 161km journey from San Francesco al Campo to the revered Santuario di Oropa will be the race’s first summit finish, promising dramatic shifts in the general classification. 2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 2 Route The route initiates with a serene progression through the Canavese and Vercelli districts, but tranquillity is set to give way to a relentless series of ascents and descents starting in Valdengo. The climbs of Crocemosso and Oasi Zegna will serve as mere preludes to the pi ..read more