The top-level Spanish block of racing continues this week at Itzulia Women, the fifth edition of the hilly Basque stage race, which runs from May 15-17.
The race starts in Zarautz and concludes in Donostia 390km later. Along the way, the Itzulia Women route poses challenges, including 6,800 metres of elevation and 14 major climbs spread across its three stages.
Juliette Berthet (FDJ United-SUEZ)
Three-time Itzulia winner Demi Vollering won’t be back to contend for a fourth title for FDJ United-SUEZ this year, but the French squad have put together a strong lineup in her absence.
Juliette Berthet is at the head of affairs, fresh off a fifth-place finish at La Vuelta Femenina. She got better as the race went on last week, though perhaps that’s unsurprising given the backloaded route.
A third place on the Angliru was the highlight, with Berthet finishing best of the rest behind the flyweight climber Petra Stiasny and GC winner Blasi. She’s done well here in the past, too, having picked up a fifth place in 2022 and a third place in 2024.
Fellow Frenchwomen Marie Le Net and Évita Muzic head up her support squad, with Muzic having finished 10th at La Vuelta.
Valentina Cavallar and Mischa Bredewold (SD Worx-Protime)
Austrian racer Valentina Cavallar is a new face at SD Worx-Protime this year, along with Nienke Vinke, and the pair form part of the Dutch team’s next generation of riders.
Only Cavallar will line up in Zarautz, however, heading up the SD Worx selection shortly after her career-best Grand Tour outing with 12th place at La Vuelta. There, a sixth place on the Angliru was her top…
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