Cobbles, Climbs & Comebacks: March Highlights

March 2025 delivered a series of exhilarating races that have significantly shaped the early part of the cycling season. Here's a comprehensive recap of the key events, including both men's and women's races, and a look ahead to what's coming in April.

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (March 1, 2025)

The 80th edition of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad marked the opening of the Belgian Classics season. The men's race covered a 197 km route from Ghent to Ninove, featuring the iconic cobbled climbs of the Flemish Ardennes. In a surprising sprint finish, Norwegian rider Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) clinched victory, narrowly defeating Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck). 

The women's race, spanning 137.9 km, saw an early breakaway succeed. Belgian cyclist Lotte Claes (Arkéa–B&B Hotels Women) outpaced Aurela Nerlo (Winspace Orange Seal) in the final sprint to claim victory. Demi Vollering (FDJ–Suez) secured third place by winning the sprint from the chasing group. 

Strade Bianche (March 8, 2025)

The 19th edition of Strade Bianche took place in Tuscany, Italy, featuring a 213 km route with 81.7 km of challenging gravel roads. Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates XRG clinched his third victory in this race, finishing in 5 hours, 13 minutes, and 58 seconds. British cyclist Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) secured second place, 1 minute and 24 seconds behind Pogačar, while Belgian Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates XRG) took third, 2 minutes and 12 seconds off the winning time.

In the women's Strade Bianche Donne, Demi Vollering (FDJ–Suez) emerged victorious, finishing the 136 km race in 3 hours, 49 minutes, and 4 seconds. Anna van der Breggen (Team SD Worx–Protime) and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) completed the podium. 

Paris-Nice (March 9–16, 2025)

The 83rd edition of the "Race to the Sun," spanned eight stages across France over diverse terrains, including flat sprints and challenging climbs. American cyclist Matteo Jorgenson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) secured the overall victory showcasing consistent performances throughout the week.

Key Stages and Developments

• Stage 7: This stage featured the final summit finish of the race, where a breakaway defied the peloton. Michael Storer emerged victorious, while Jorgenson maintained his lead in the general classification. 
  
• Stage 8: The final stage saw Magnus Sheffield clinch the win. Jorgenson's consistent performance throughout the race ensured his overall triumph. 
  

Final Standings

1. Matteo Jorgenson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – 26h 26' 42"
   
2. Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) – +1' 15"
   
3. Thymen Arensman (INEOS Grenadiers) – +1' 58"
   

Tirreno-Adriatico (March 10–16, 2025)

The 60th edition of the "Race of the Two Seas" with 7 stages across Italy, featuring a mix of time trials, sprint stages, and mountainous terrains. Spanish rider Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates XRG) clinched the overall title, demonstrating his prowess in both time trials and mountainous terrains.

Key Stages and Developments

• Stage 4: Olav Kooij secured victory in this stage, with Filippo Ganna maintaining his lead in the general classification. 
  
• Stage 5: This stage was pivotal, with Juan Ayuso taking the lead in the general classification, a position he held onto until the end of the race.
  
• Stage 7: The final stage concluded with Jonathan Milan claiming his second stage win of the race. Ayuso's consistent performance throughout ensured his overall victory. 
  

Final Standings

1. Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates XRG) - 28h 41' 24"
   
2. Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers) - +35"
   
3. Antonio Tiberi (Team Bahrain Victorious) - +36"

Milan–San Remo (March 22, 2025)

The iconic "La Classicissima" covered 294 km, with decisive climbs like the Cipressa and Poggio. Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck) emerged victorious, followed by Belgian Wout van Aert (Lidl–Trek) in second and Italian Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) in third.

The women's Milan–San Remo, officially known as Milano–Sanremo Donne, returned after a 20-year hiatus. Dutch rider Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx–Protime) secured victory in a sprint finish, overtaking Marianne Vos (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) and Noemi Rüegg (EF Education–TIBCO–SVB). 

Volta a Catalunya (March 24–30, 2025)

The 104th edition of the Volta a Catalunya delivered a week of intense competition across the diverse terrains of Catalonia. The race culminated in a dramatic final stage in Barcelona, where Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) secured both the stage victory and the overall general classification win.

The seven-stage race covered a total distance of approximately 1,095 kilometers, featuring a mix of flat, hilly, and mountainous terrains. The competition attracted 24 teams, including 18 UCI WorldTeams and six UCI ProTeams, bringing together a peloton of 168 riders. 

The race not only showcased the tactical battles among seasoned professionals but also highlighted the rise of young talents poised to shape the future of the sport.

Key Stages and Developments

• Stage 1: The race commenced in Sant Feliu de Guíxols with a 178.3 km hilly stage. British rider Matthew Brennan (Team Visma-Lease a Bike) showcased his sprinting prowess by clinching the stage win and donning the first leader's jersey.
  
• Stage 3: The peloton faced the first significant mountain challenge from Viladecans to La Molina. Spanish prodigy Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates XRG) emerged victorious, taking over the general classification lead.
  
• Stage 4: The race revisited the iconic Montserrat climb after a 30-year hiatus. Primož Roglič demonstrated his climbing strength by winning the stage, drawing level with Ayuso in the overall standings.
  
• Stage 7: The final stage in Barcelona, featuring multiple ascents of Montjuïc, was pivotal. Roglič launched a decisive solo attack with 21 km remaining, securing both the stage win and the overall title. 
  

Final Standings

• General Classification:
  

1. 1. Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) – 24h 46' 21"
      
   2. Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates XRG) – +28"
      
   3. Enric Mas (Movistar Team) – +53"
      

• Points Classification: Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe)
  
• Mountains Classification: Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe)
  
• Young Rider Classification: Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates XRG)
  
• Teams Classification: Team Visma-Lease a Bike

Notable Performances

Matthew Brennan's stage victories highlighted the emergence of young talent in the peloton. Juan Ayuso's consistent performance throughout the race underscored his potential as a future Grand Tour contender. Roglič's strategic acumen and resilience were evident, particularly in the final stage, where he overturned a deficit to claim overall victory. 

Gent-Wevelgem (March 30, 2025)

A classic Belgian race known for its cobbled sections and wind-exposed roads. Danish rider Mads Pedersen (Lidl–Trek) clinched the win, with Belgian Tim Merlier (Soudal–Quick-Step) in second and Italian Jonathan Milan (Lidl–Trek) in third. 

In the women's race, Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) celebrated her 100th career victory, launching a powerful sprint with 200 meters to go and holding off competitors Elisa Balsamo and Charlotte Kool. 

Dwars door Vlaanderen (April 2, 2025)

In the lead-up to the Tour of Flanders, Dwars door Vlaanderen provided thrilling action. American Neilson Powless (EF Education–EasyPost) achieved a remarkable victory, out-sprinting Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) despite being up against three riders from the Visma team. This win marked Powless's seventh and most significant career victory.

Riders to Watch in 2025

As the 2025 cycling season progresses, several riders have distinguished themselves through remarkable performances and are poised to make significant impacts in the upcoming races. Here are some notable cyclists to keep an eye on:

Men's Cycling

• Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates): 2024 Tour Down Under winner and real up-and-comer from Mexico.
• Pablo Torres (UAE Team Emirates): At just 19 years old, Torres is heralded as the future of Spanish cycling. His recent performances have drawn comparisons to seasoned professionals, indicating a promising trajectory in the pro peloton. 
  
• Natnael Tesfatsion (Trek-Segafredo): Hailing from Eritrea, Tesfatsion has showcased exceptional climbing abilities. His participation in European races is anticipated to bring dynamic performances, especially in mountainous terrains. 
  

Women's Cycling

• Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx-Protime): The Dutch sprinter has had an outstanding start to 2025, securing victories in prestigious races such as Milan–San Remo Donne and Gent–Wevelgem. Her sprinting dominance makes her a formidable contender in any race she enters.
  
• Cat Ferguson (Movistar Team): Transitioning from a successful junior career, the British cyclist has already made an impression in the elite ranks with a podium finish at the Trofeo Alfredo Binda. Her versatility across disciplines positions her as a rising star in women's cycling. 
  
• Carys Lloyd (Movistar Team): Another British talent, Lloyd's achievements on the track, including multiple gold medals at the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships, have set high expectations for her road career. Her all-rounder capabilities suggest she will be a key player in various race formats. 
  
• Neve Bradbury (CANYON//SRAM Racing ZondaCrypto): The Australian rider has been highlighted as a trailblazer to watch, with notable performances that hint at her potential to excel in stage races and one-day events. 
  
• Ally Wollaston (FDJ-Suez): After a strong showing in early-season races, including a victory at the Surf Coast Classic, the New Zealander's tenacity and sprinting prowess make her a competitor to watch in the sprints and classics. 
  

April 2025: Upcoming Races

April is set to host several prestigious races that will further shape the season's narratives. Here's what's on the horizon:

• Tour of Flanders (April 6, 2025): One of cycling's five Monuments, this 270 km race is famed for its steep cobbled climbs, including the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg.
  
• Itzulia Basque Country (April 7–12, 2025): A six-stage race through Spain's Basque region, known for its challenging hilly terrains and unpredictable weather conditions.
  
• Paris–Roubaix (April 13, 2025): Dubbed the "Hell of the North," this one-day race covers approximately 260 km
  
• Amstel Gold Race (April 20, 2025): The Netherlands' premier one-day race, covering 256.5 km with a relentless series of short, sharp climbs.
• La Flèche Wallonne (April 23, 2025): A Belgian classic known for its steep Mur de Huy climb, favoring punchy climbers.
  
• Liège-Bastogne-Liège (April 27, 2025): One of cycling's oldest races, this Ardennes classic challenges riders with its hilly terrain and is often a battleground for climbers and puncheurs.

Lots to look forward to as the season heats up!