After the seasonal debut in Australia and with the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia on the horizon, Bahrain Victorious is also gearing up for its first European race of the season: the 75th edition of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.
With a dynamic roster of experienced cyclists and promising talents, the team is poised for the 5-day stage race, across the picturesque landscapes of the Valencian Community, an autonomous region in eastern Spain. The race will kick off on January 31 and conclude on February 4, weaving through the diverse terrain of the three provinces of the Comunitat Valenciana – Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante.
The race promises a mix of challenges, from mid-mountain stages to demanding mountain passes, sprints, and technical courses. Bonus seconds, distributed at intermediate sprints in the first three stages, atop climbs, and at the finish line, are anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping the General Classification (GC).
Sports Director Roman Kreuziger highlights the significance of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana as a perfect season opener, offering a well-rounded course. Despite the race appearing somewhat easier on paper than the previous year, the competition’s high level and the riders’ eagerness after a racing hiatus add an element of unpredictability.
“The team’s primary focus is securing a top-three spot in the General Classification, led by the experienced Pello Bilbao and co-leader Santiago Buitrago, making his debut in this race. Bonus seconds are expected to be a decisive factor, potentially shaking up the GC on the final day,” notes Kreuziger.
The team’s strategic lineup includes key support from Yukiya Arashiro and Kamil Gradek, climbing expertise from Rainer Kepplinger, sprint potential from Nicolò Buratti, and a wildcard in Matej Mohorič, serving as the road captain and joker for potential stage win.
Beyond pursuing GC success and possible stage victories, Bahrain Victorious aims to leave Valenciana with heightened confidence in their form and teamwork, setting a positive tone for the season’s upcoming challenges.
Bahrain Victorious leader, Pello Bilbao, who will be making his 7th appearance at the Volta a La Comunitat Valenciana, shares his anticipation: “As it happened most of the seasons, I start racing in Valencia. I think it’s a perfect opener as it is an interesting race, and not too hard. The organizers planned once again an interesting parcour, featuring several stages that suit me well: always with little kicks or climbs approaching the end. There are not long uphill finish and this makes the race more open, but stage 4 will be a tough one. We had the opportunity to have a recon of it, and it will be a nice show to see on TV. It was also a nice discovery to go there: it’s a very nice place for cycling. I’m really motivated to start this new season and I hope also in the best condition. I will try to be involved in the overall until the end”.
The 75th Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana will kick off with the Benicàssim-Castellón mid-mountain stage, where a reduced bunch sprint is expected to decide the first leader’s jersey. Kreuziger emphasizes the importance of focus, commitment, and strategic positioning from the very first day to navigate the challenges and capitalize on bonus seconds.
As the race progresses with mid-mountain and sprint stages, including the potential for crosswinds, the climax awaits on the queen stage – Teulada/Moraira-La Vall d’Ebo – featuring five mountain passes, including the Alto del Miserat.
The grand finale at the Port of Valencia after a short and intense Bétera-València stage promises a battle for the overall victory. Kreuziger concludes, “There is sure to be a battle, and excitement will persist all the way to the finish line. We hope our riders will be in the mix to achieve our race’s goal: a final podium in Valencia.”
