La Vuelta a Burgos Feminas demands versatility. With varied terrain and stage types, it’s an intense race that requires a well-rounded team and sharp tactical execution.

The CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto lineup brings both continuity and fresh firepower. Antonia Niedermaier and Ricarda Bauernfeind continue on from Itzulia Women, joined by the reinforcements of Zoe Bäckstedt, Chiara Consonni, Nastya Kolesava, and Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka.

Back in 2023, Agnieszka delivered a strong performance at the race, claiming two tenth-place finishes on both a flat and a summit finish stage, securing sixth overall on the general classification. She heads into this year’s edition with an optimistic and motivated mindset.

“Vuelta a Burgos is always a nice race and I have super nice memories from the past years, so I’m ready for it. I’m really looking forward to hopefully some nice results and a big fight together with girls.”

“I’m not looking for GC again but in cycling you never know. I’m more looking for one of the stages though, the first or second, and I also really want to do my best in the time trial. Especially though, I want to help the girls – I think this will be Antonia for GC, to help her with the third stage. It finishes up an 8km climb so it will be a tough one.”

Like La Vuelta Femenina and Itzulia Women earlier this May, the general classification at Burgos has typically gone to someone with strong climbing prowess – even in last year’s edition, which lacked a true summit finish. The big mountains are back in 2025, with the inclusion of the fearsome Picón Blanco on stage three: a 7.8km climb averaging 9% – a clear GC maker or breaker.

Unlike its hillier counterparts, Vuelta a Burgos often includes more flat and windswept racing, characteristic of the Castile and León region where the province of Burgos lies. These alternative stages are fraught with echelons, positioning battles, and the risk of splits. Success here demands not only climbing legs but also team cohesion, alertness, and tactical precision to protect GC riders through any possible turmoil. The mixed terrain also presents stage-winning chances for a variety of rider profiles, making it a delicate balancing act of overall and stage ambitions across 351.4 kilometres.

A new twist for 2025 adds another layer to the GC battle: an individual time trial on the final day – the first in the race’s history. It means the Picón Blanco summit won’t seal the deal, and the GC hopefuls will need to maintain their focus for a solo effort against the clock.

A closer look at the stages:

– Stage 1 kicks off beneath the striking Cathedral of Burgos and covers 125km with three third-category climbs, finishing with a punchy ascent to El Balcón de La Bureba in Poza de la Sal, famed for its sweeping views over the plains below.

– Stage 2 is expected to favour the sprinters, although a third-category climb peaking 7km from the finish could tear up the script.

– Stage 3 is the queen stage with Picón Blanco, and the expected decider for tenative GC rankings. 

– Stage 4 brings the race to a close, locking in the general classification while offering a chance for a loyal team workhorse to showcase their individual strength.

With a re-introduced summit finish, a high sprint likelihood, the ever-present threat of wind, and now a TT – it’s a four-day test of key cycling competencies, while also providing valuable learning opportunities across many facets.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Stage 1 | Thursday, May 22 | Burgos – Poza de la Sal | 125.2km | 1646m elevation | Start: 12:20 – Fastest finish: 15:24

Stage 2 | Friday, May 23 | Villalba de Duero – Roa de Duero | 122.6km | 912m elevation | Start: 12:33 – Fastest finish: 15:36

Stage 3 | Saturday, May 24 | Soncillo – Picón Blanco | 95.7km | 2045m elevation | Start: 12:50 – Fastest finish: 15:35

Stage 4 | Sunday, May 25 | Valle de Mena | 9.4km (ITT) | 135m elevation | First rider start: 13:02 – last rider start: 15:32

Live coverage begins at 14:30 CET each day on RTVE, Eurosport, Discovery Plus, TNT Sports, FloBikes and Proximus. Stay updated on X with #VueltaBurgos, and follow CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto’s social channels for the latest team updates.