After making their season debut in Australia and ahead of the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Victorious are preparing for their first European race of the season, the 75th Volta a la Communitato Valenciana. is also in progress.
A dynamic team of experienced cyclists and up-and-coming talent is gearing up for a five-day stage race across the picturesque landscapes of the Community of Valencia, an autonomous region in eastern Spain. Masu. The race starts on January 31st and ends on February 4th, weaving through the diverse terrain of three departments in Valenciana (Castellón, Valencia and Alicante).
The race offers a variety of challenges, from intermediate stages in the mountains to tough mountain passes, sprints and technical courses. Bonus seconds will be distributed at the intermediate sprint, uphill and finish line of his first three stages and are expected to play a pivotal role in forming the General Classification (GC).
Sporting Director Roman Kreuziger emphasizes the importance of the Volta a la Comunitato Valenciana as the perfect season opener, offering a balanced course. Although the race looked somewhat easier on paper compared to previous years, the high level of competition and the enthusiasm of the riders after the race break added an element of unpredictability.
“The team’s main focus is to secure a top three spot in the general category, led by the experienced Pello Bilbao and co-leader Santiago Buitrago, who will make his debut in this race. Bonus seconds will be a decisive factor. It is expected that this will be the case, and it could have a big impact on the final day’s GC,” Kreuziger points out.
The team’s strategic line-up includes key support from Yukiya Shinshiro and Kamil Gradek, climbing expertise from Rainer Kepplinger, sprint potential from Nicolo Blatti, and wildcard Matej Mohoric. Serves as road captain and joker to potential stage victory.
Bahrain Victorious leave Valenciana with high confidence in their form and teamwork, as well as pursuing GC success and the possibility of a stage win, and looking forward to the challenges of the season ahead. I am aiming to improve my mood.
Bahrain Victorious leader Perro Bilbao, who will be playing in the Volta a la Comunitato Valenciana for the seventh time, expressed his expectations as follows: I think it’s a perfect opening race as it’s an interesting race and not too difficult. The organizers have once again planned an interesting parkour featuring several stages that suited me perfectly. There’s always a small kick or climb at the end. The race will be more open with fewer long climbs, but the fourth stage will be tough. We had a chance to scout it and it would be a great show to watch on TV. I went there and made another good discovery. A very good place for cycling. I’m really motivated to start the new season and hope to start in the best possible condition. I will do my best to be involved in the overall project until the end.”
The 75th Volta a la Comunitato Valenciana will open with a midway stage in Benicassim-Castellón, with a reduced bunch sprint expected to decide the first leader’s jersey. Kreuziger emphasizes the importance of focus, commitment, and strategic positioning from day one to overcome challenges and take advantage of bonus seconds.
The race progresses through intermediate mountain stages and sprint stages, including the possibility of crosswinds, before climaxing with the queen stage, Teulada/Moraira to La Vall d’Evo, featuring five mountain passes, including Alto del Miserato.
After the short and intense Veterana-Valencia stage, the grand finale in the Port of Valencia promises a battle for the overall victory. Kreuziger said: “There will definitely be a battle and the excitement will continue until the finish line. I hope the riders will join us to achieve our goal of the race: the last podium in Valencia. .”