AGNIESZKA MAKES HISTORY AT THE MARYLAND CYCLING CLASSIC

Agnieszka Skalniak-Sojka made history today, claiming a stunning victory at the inaugural Maryland Cycling Classic Women’s race in Baltimore, US. The Polish rider set her sights on the race weeks ago and was delighted to taste the sweetness of a well-deserved win that had eluded her on several occasions in the 2025 season.

CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto controlled early attacks and small breakaways in the first half of the race as the peloton stretched around the undulating and winding city circuit. The team lost the presence of Jule Märkl after an early crash and bike damage resulted in an insurmountable gap despite her efforts to come back into contention.

With a dangerous duo of Henrietta Christie and Daniek Hengeveld building a 40-second lead after the halfway mark, the team had to put its chase on hold as Agnieszka overcame a moment of panic with a puncture on the penultimate lap. Soon after the breakaway was caught, a group of three riders launched an attack, but Agnieszka was astute to the move and quickly bridged across with 16 km to go. The group became five, and after just a few more twists and turns, it was clear the winner would come from the move. Outnumbered by two EF Education-Oatly riders, Agnieszka could resist every 1-2 attack and attempt to dislodge her from the leading group.

Coming to the final, Agnieszka started her 200m-long sprint and executed it to perfection to win by a tyre width in a photo-finish ahead of Alison Jackson (EFO) and Emma Langley.

Just a few hours after her teammate Zoe Bäckstedt won in the Netherlands, Agnieszka enjoyed a mix of relief and elation after her victory in the US.

“I’m so happy with this win. I started the season with high ambitions and many times things haven’t gone right for me. I had some podiums early in the year and top ten results in sprints at some world tour races, but it was always up and down, having to recover from being sick a few times. I’ve missed this win.

The course was challenging with the fast pace, the climbs, a lot of attacks and the cobblestone section. The team controlled the race in the first half, and when I had a puncture they waited for me to make sure I came back.  We had options of different riders if it was an early breakaway but we knew for the sprint it would be my opportunity. It’s a really nice feeling to get this victory near the end of the season. I’ve worked hard and I can say I deserve it.”

It seems US favours Agnieszka, with her only other race appearance being back at the 2019 Junior Road World Championships in Richmond, where she won a bronze medal in the road race. Agnieszka will now return to Europe and prepare for the European Continental Championships later this month.