Adding to the intrigue is Anna van der Breggen’s return to professional cycling after a three-year hiatus and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s shift in discipline. Both will bring new dynamics to an already intense and hectic racing style.
This year’s spring campaign promises non-stop action, with a major race nearly every week from early March to late April. With so many winning contenders backed by strong teams, the level of competition will skyrocket, making the races thrilling for fans and riders alike.
The evolution of competition
Every winter, teams refine their strategies, and riders push themselves harder than ever. I always enter the season feeling stronger, more confident, and better prepared. But then, the first race reminds me that everyone has been putting in the work.
Winning at this level is as much a mental battle as it is physical. Gone are the days when only three to five riders were genuine contenders. Now, there are more than ten big leaders to beat, each with an incredibly strong team. It’s not just about power anymore – it’s about who can suffer the longest and play the mind game better.
Team dynamics and transfers: Shaking up the peloton
This season, team transfers have completely reshaped the peloton. Demi Vollering’s move from SD Worx to FDJ is one of the most talked-about changes. Watching her and Lotte Kopecky race against each other will be fascinating.
Marlen Reusser’s transfer to Movistar also stands out. Once teammates, Reusser and her former colleagues will now be rivals. Elisa Longo Borghini has joined UAE, leaving Trek, which will allow other riders to step into leadership roles.
One team I’m particularly curious about is FDJ. They have such a strong squad, full of climbers with similar ambitions. It will be interesting to see how they manage those personal goals and find a unified approach to racing. My former teammate, Elise Chabbey, has also joined FDJ, and I’m excited to see how she fits in. Their success could be visible from the start – or it might take time for everyone to gel. Big changes like these always require some adjustment but once a team tunes in, they can become unstoppable.
On my team, we’ve welcomed Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig who is adding depth and strength to our climbing and classics group. Meanwhile, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s move to Jumbo-Visma further deepens the talent pool. With so many powerful riders distributed across competitive teams, this season is going to be brutal, tightly contested, and absolutely thrilling to watch.
Races and routes: New challenges await
Right now, my full focus is on Strade Bianche. It’s my favourite spring Classic, and I’ve come heartbreakingly close to winning it several times. This year, I’m targeting it with everything I’ve got.
Race organisers have been designing increasingly challenging courses, favouring all-rounders who can climb and still have the power to sprint. Opportunities for pure sprinters or time-trial specialists are fewer, leading many riders to adjust their training and even transform their bodies to stay competitive.
Adapting to these changes requires constant innovation in training and recovery methods. For older riders, it can be especially challenging to keep up with the evolving demands of the peloton, but that’s what makes the sport so dynamic and exciting.
The growth of women’s cycling
The global growth of women’s cycling is undeniable. Daily TV coverage is increasing, which means more people are discovering and falling in love with the sport. With greater exposure comes more public interest, and as cycling attracts larger groups of fans, it draws bigger sponsors who help the sport grow even faster.
My dream is to live in a world where cycling is as popular as soccer and names like Pogacar are as widely recognised as Ronaldo. To make that happen, I think media coverage could focus more on explaining the basics of cycling to new audiences. Helping people understand the tactics and nuances of the sport could make it even more accessible.
A message to fans and aspiring cyclists
To the fans who are following women’s cycling more closely than ever: get ready because 2025 is going to be lit!
For aspiring cyclists, the changes in the sport mean there are now more opportunities to join the right teams and develop properly. Today’s teams are run by experienced, forward-thinking leaders who can nurture young talent in ways that weren’t possible before.
This is just the beginning of an incredible season, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
