09.02.2026 World-Tour, News, Race news

SEVEN RIDERS HEAD TO SPAIN FOR SETMANA CICLISTA VALENCIANA

From Australia to the UAE, the next wave of CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto riders will open their 2026 accounts at the traditional early-season stage race, Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana.

After a productive January training camp in the Valencia region, Nastya Kolesava, Antonia Niedermaier, Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig and Maike van der Duin will take on 480 kilometres from February 12-15 in the same area. They’ll be joined by two Generation riders – Emily Dixon and Valentina Corvi – who recently had their own team training camp in Girona. Emily arrives after showing strong form in January’s Australian National Championship road race, finishing second in the U23 category. For Valentina, a rising mountain-bike talent, stage one in Valencia will be just her third elite road race start.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Setmana Ciclista Valenciana Femenina, and Cecilie knows the race better than most, having claimed the general classification in its inaugural edition. She’s in positive spirits ahead of her seventh start.

“I’m feeling good and mostly just really excited to be back racing. The preparation has gone well, but the first race of the season is always a bit of a question mark, and there’s definitely some nervous excitement that comes with it. There’s something special about finally pinning on a number again after the winter, and Valencia is a great place to start the season. It’s challenging racing, but also a chance to really enjoy being back in the bunch and racing hard with the team.”

Cecilie believes CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto is well-equipped for the four-stage event.

“I think we can be very competitive. We have a strong and well-balanced team, with riders who can handle different terrains and race scenarios. That gives us the chance to race in an open way, be visible, and be aggressive when the opportunities are there.”

“Strong results always feel good, but for me the satisfaction also comes from how we race. If we can say we raced with confidence, took our chances, and worked together as a team, that means a lot. Personally, I’d love to finish the week feeling like I’ve taken a solid step forward into the season with good sensations, good teamwork, and plenty of motivation for what’s coming next.”

The race also holds positive memories for Agnieszka, who followed a remarkable upward trajectory across the 2025 stages – 7th, 6th, 3rd and then 2nd – ultimately securing sixth overall in the General Classification. Although it would be great to follow that trend, Agnieszka remains grounded.

“Of course, I would love to stand on the top step of the podium every time I line up at the start — that’s what I’m fighting for. At the same time, I’m not putting pressure on myself. The season is long, and I know I’ll always give everything I have to move closer to what I’m aiming for.”

Nevertheless, she’s pleased with her current form.

“I’m feeling good and highly motivated to start the season strongly. I had a solid winter of training, and I hope it will translate into good sensations in races.”

“Last season gave me a lot of confidence and belief that I can compete with the best. That’s why I want to begin this season with the same mindset – calm, focused, and steadily working towards making my dreams a reality.”

The 2026 parcours closely mirrors last year’s race, blending fresh roads with familiar terrain. Stage one is a Valencian classic; a progressive build in climbing that culminates in the 6km Alto de Barx, followed by a fast, well-known 15km descent into Gandia. It’s a finish that regularly delivers suspense, sometimes creating GC decisive splits and sometimes not. Last year, it did.

Stage two features longer, more gradual climbs in the opening half, but a gently undulating second half could suppress any GC impact. Stages three and four swap roles this year, with an ‘easier’ day to close out the race. Stage four is a carbon copy of last year’s stage three; a familiar route that still includes climbing, but typically concludes with a large bunch finish.

Stage three stands out as the undisputed queen stage on paper. Covering 128km with nearly 2800m of elevation gain, it promises a truly honest test; long climbs, extended descents, and a punishing final 15km packed with punchy gradients and technical, twisting roads. Any accumulated physical or mental fatigue is likely to surface here, if it hasn’t already.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Setmana Ciclista Volta Feminina de la Comunitat Valenciana is live-streamed on the RD3 EVENTOS DEPORTIVOS YouTube channel. The race can also be followed on X using #SetmanaCiclista, as well as through the CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto social channels.

Overview