Ronde van Valencia: McNulty Wins, Evenepoel & Girmay Battle for Stage Victory

The Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, a key early-season stage race in Europe, is underway, with Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe identified as the top favorite. The race began on Wednesday, February 4, with a 162.2 km opening stage from Segorbe to Torreblanca.

Evenepoel, who began his season last week in Mallorca where he secured multiple victories, is looking to continue his strong form. He’s joined by other prominent riders, including Mads Pedersen, as a key attraction for fans.

While the early stages of the race are unfolding, recent editions of the Ronde van Valencia have seen dramatic moments. In 2024, Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates took control of the race in a shortened fourth stage following a tragic incident involving a cycling fan. The stage, originally scheduled to finish in Teulada, was altered, with the finish line moved 15 kilometers earlier to the top of the Alto del Miserat due to the circumstances. The podium ceremony was subsequently cancelled.

McNulty’s victory on the Alto del Miserat came after a challenging climb with an average gradient exceeding 9 percent over nearly 6 kilometers. The leader at the time, Alessandro Tonelli, struggled on the steep slopes. McNulty capitalized on a moment when Santiago Buitrago was speaking with his team, launching an attack that secured him the stage win and the overall lead.

The 2024 race also saw Biniam Girmay of NSN Cycling Team achieve a notable victory, defeating Arne Marit in a sprint finish. Girmay expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating it was a key reason for joining the team.

Earlier in the week, a time trial stage was affected by strong wind gusts, leading to a decision to run the trial on regular bikes without time differences. Despite this, Remco Evenepoel expressed his desire to compete with timed intervals, a sentiment that was ultimately overruled by a majority decision.

The Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana represents an important early test for riders preparing for the upcoming season. Evenepoel’s performance will be closely watched as he aims to build on his success from Mallorca and establish himself as a contender for major races later in the year. The race provides a platform for riders to gauge their form and fine-tune their strategies as they head into the heart of the cycling season.

The competition is expected to be fierce, with riders like McNulty demonstrating their ability to seize opportunities and perform under pressure. The unpredictable nature of the race, as evidenced by the events of the 2024 edition, adds to the excitement and underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience for all competitors.

As of today, February 5, the race continues, and the focus remains on Evenepoel’s pursuit of victory. However, the field is filled with talented riders capable of challenging his dominance, promising a compelling contest throughout the remaining stages.