NEXT UP IN SPAIN: THE NAVARRA WOMEN'S ELITE CLASSIC

With the first major feature of May’s Spanish racing block complete, we welcome a fresh line-up of riders ready to take on the next set of challenges.

Wilma Aintila, Ricarda Bauernfeind, Antonia Niedermaier, Soraya Paladin, and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig return to action at the Navarra Women’s Elite Classic this Wednesday, joined by Maddie le Roux from the Generation team, making her debut with the WorldTeam. For the WorldTour-level Itzulia Women from Friday to Sunday, Justyna Czapla will swap in for Maddie, coming fresh off La Vuelta Femenina.

If any race could make you question whether we’ve truly left the Belgian spring classics behind, it’s the Navarra Classic – arguably Spain’s answer to a Flandrien one-day. Now in its fifth edition, the 133.4 kilometre route is packed with muros (walls), each featuring sharp gradients over 10 percent – often for sustained stretches. 

Take the 650 metre-long, Muro de Biurrin, as an example. It comes 56km into the race, averaging 10.3% and maxing out at 16%. At the 75km mark, the Muro de Artajona dishes out more of the same but this time on cobbles, further reinforcing that Flanders-like feel.

Some climbs are longer and have often proven more decisive due to their placement in the race. The Muro de Añorbe (4.5km at 4.6%) and the Muro de Tirapu (3.1km at 6.2%) each ramp up to 11–12% at their steepest. In the final 15km, the 3.4km-long Muro de Arlegui rises 120m and is likely to be where the final cracks will appear in already reduced groups. From there, a mostly downhill 10km run propels riders back towards the inner-city Pamplona finish, although one final obstacle remains: an 800m drag at 4% inside the last 2km, offering the perfect springboard for any last-ditch attacks.

The varied roads and savage climbs around Pamplona make this an unpredictable race – one that suits a wide range of riders and provides the perfect elements for a mid-week blowout.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Navarra Women’s Elite Classic | 1.Pro | Wednesday May 14  | 134.1km | 2107m elevation | Start 13:44 CET – fastest finish 17:19 CET.

Live coverage begins at 15:15 CET on Eurosport Spain, Kirolak EITB, and Navarra Televisión, and will also be streamed here on YouTube. Stay updated on X and Instagram with #NWEC25 and #NavarraWomenEliteClassic, and follow the CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto social channels for the latest team updates.