Preview Itzulia Women 2024
SDWorx Protime and Demi Vollering are on the hunt for a three out of three for the Spanish block in La Vuelta a Burgos Fémina as they have dominated La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour and Itzulia Women. However other teams have sent their strongest riders to the pitch of the race in Burgos which is known for its hard stages with heavy climbing.
La Vuelta a Burgos Fémina stands as a prestigious event in the Women’s WorldTour calendar, drawing significant attention for its challenging stages and the caliber of competitors it attracts. The 2024 edition promises to be an exciting affair, featuring a blend of established champions and emerging talents, all vying for top honors in the scenic yet demanding landscapes of Burgos, Spain.
Race History
The first men’s race in Burgos was held in 1946 with the first women’s version held in 215. Established relatively recently in the grand tapestry of cycling, the Vuelta a Burgos Fémina quickly ascended to a prominent position, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of women’s cycling. It has been a battleground where numerous cycling stars have made their mark, including recent champions who have gone on to achieve grand tour success. This race not only highlights athletic prowess but also advances the status of women’s cycling on the global stage.
Belen Lopez was the first winner in 2015 and the race supposed to be part of the UCI Womne’s WorldTour in 2020 but was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. When the races continued in 2021, Dutch Anna van der Breggen was the first rider to win the Spanish race. Julliete Labous followed in 2022 and Demi Vollering in 2023.
What happened last year?
Last year Team SDWorx took the full price home. LorenaWiebes wins stage 1 and 3 and Demi Vollering stage 2 and 4 and wins the general classification.
2024 Race
The 2024 race includes a mix of grueling mountain stages and strategic flat sections, making it a comprehensive test of endurance, speed, and tactical acumen. The timing of the race places it strategically among key events in the 2024 season, affecting team strategies and rider form as they peak for major objectives.
Stage 1
123km long, starting in Villagonzalo Pedernillas and finishing in the historic heart of Burgos, the opening stage is a flat, fast course ideal for sprinters, stretching over 100 kilometers and finishing with a dramatic city-center sprint. However, it is never flat in Burgos. There are still 3 Cat 3 climbs to be taken before the finish in Burgos, but it should be no problem for the sprinters. The sprint could be disrupted by a breakaway.
Stage 2
Starts in Briviesca and features rolling hills over 123km that could disrupt the peloton and serve as a launching pad for breakaways. Two climbs in this stage, one of the Third category and a finish atop of a second category climb in Alto de Rosales. This finish might not be for the sprinters, but a thinned-out peloton with some fast sprinters will be an option.
Stage 3
With no categorized climbs this stage runs over 122km and is most likely to end up in a bunch sprint. It will be a long day on the bike and sprinters will be nervous because they have one option this Vuelta for a bunch sprint. It is also likely to go into echelons when hard winds are expected on the open plains between Roa de Duero and Melgar de Fernamental.
Stage 4
Concludes with some fierce climbing with a thied category climb halfway the 122km stage and first category climb almost at the end of the stage. If the General classification is not already set, this final climb will be decisive. However it is not a summit finish as the peloton still races 15km over the summit of the Alto de Rozavientos towards Canicosa de La Sierra. On paper this stage doesn’t look ad heard, but history learns thet the profiles can be deseaving.
Key Contenders
Demi Vollering
As the returning champion and recent winner of La Vuelta Femenina and Itzulia Women, Vollering is a top favorite. Her team, SD Worx-Protime, has been dominant in recent Spanish tours and aims to continue their success.
Shirin van Anrooij
We hope to see some fierce battles from the fit and strong Dutch van Anrooij. A fierce competitor who finished second last year, she has shown consistent improvement and is expected to challenge Vollering closely and battle her for the final win.
Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig
Another rider returning from injury will be showing herself to the team that she is ready to take on the next hard races. The Danish rider with the everlasting smile was out for a long time but, made hare first kilometers in the Durango race last week and is never a rider to be ruled out. Even not in shape she could do some damage on the climbs. She has proven that she can digest the Spanish mountains pretty good by winning stage 3 in 2021 atop Ojo Guarena. She is supported by Évita Muzic, who also shows promise.
Silvia Persico
The Italian UAE Team ADQ rider is known for her consistency in top ten finishes, Persico is in good form this season and could challenge in the lumpy stages. She has a strong team surrounding her that could surprise people.
Vuelta a Burgos Femenina starts Thursday 12:22 CET and you can follow the race live in our tracker app.