Team Bahrain Victorious have registered a strong lineup to compete in the upcoming edition of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana (UCI 2.Pro), scheduled from today to Sunday in the Spanish region of Valencia.
Bahrain Victorious aims to build on last year’s success, where the team claimed the best team title, secured a stage victory with Matej Mohoric, and placed Santiago Buitrago second in the final general classification (GC) while also claiming the white jersey.
This year’s race presents a different challenge for the GC, as it opens with a team time trial in Orihuela, returning to Valenciana after eight years. The 34-kilometre route is expected to have an immediate and decisive impact on the GC, particularly as it precedes another crucial stage.
Stage two from La Nucia to Alto de Partegat features three challenging mountain passes: Col de Rates, Alto de Benimantell, and for the first time, Alto de Partegat, which is the only summit finish of the race. This stage is likely to shape the GC battle early on.
The third and fourth stages will traverse rolling terrain, favouring attackers.
Stage three holds special significance as the route passes through Algemesí and other towns affected by flash floods last October, with race leaders’ jerseys displaying the names of impacted communities.
The final stage will start in Alfafar, another heavily affected town, before concluding in Valencia. The last day is traditionally a sprinters’ stage, though breakaway attempts may still play a role.
Bahrain Victorious sports director Roman Kreuziger shared his insights on the course. “I believe the GC could be decided on the very first day,” he said. “The opening team time trial is quite complicated, featuring a long route that will create significant time gaps.
“The key is to perform well there and be ready for Stage Two, which might decide this edition. We can rely on Santiago Buitrago, who has already demonstrated strong form. He is our leader for Valenciana, alongside Lenny Martinez.
“Additionally, we have an experienced road captain in Pello Bilbao, who is in great shape and excited to begin his season.
“Stages Three and Four will likely suit breakaways, and our riders could feature in those moves, depending on the race’s early GC developments. The final stage is usually for the sprinters, but the risk of echelons and narrow roads means we must stay vigilant until the very end.”
The team’s leaders will receive strong support from Rainer Kepplinger, fresh from a solid performance at the AlUla Tour, despite an unfortunate final day, as well as Jack Haig, Kamil Gradek, and Edoardo Zambanini, who is making his season debut.
“We have a competitive squad full of climbers, and our ambitions are high; hopefully, we can replicate last year’s success,” concluded Kreuziger.
Bahrain Victorious is ready for an exciting week of racing, with a determined squad looking to make a strong impact at the Vuelta Valenciana 2025.
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