The 2025 edition of the Vuelta a El Salvador began in atmospheric fashion with a short and sharp prologue in the Historic Center of San Salvador. Under the glow of streetlights and surrounded by crowds lining the cobbled streets, 117 riders tackled a 2.7km individual time trial to kick off nine days of racing across the country.
This year’s Vuelta a El Salvador features 120 riders from 32 countries, racing over more than 1,000 kilometres of varied terrain. From coastal roads in Surf City to inland climbs and high temperatures, the route offers both scenic views and tactical complexity. Deputy Minister Nelson Reyes highlighted the race’s potential to inspire: “You’ll be an inspiration to many girls who want to compete like you. You will feel the warmth of all Salvadorans.”
The short course didn’t include any climbs, but its tight corners, short straights and technical sections demanded sharp handling and full gas effort from start to finish. With San Salvador’s historic architecture as the backdrop, the race provided a striking contrast between the modernity of international cycling and the deep cultural heritage of the city.
Tamara Dronova, racing for Roland Cycling, claimed the first leader’s jersey with a time of 3:46.62, just edging out Switzerland’s Elena Hartmann by two hundredths of a second. Spain’s Sandra Alonso took third at 3:48.00, continuing a strong spring campaign. Colombia’s Milena Salcedo, riding for Pato Bike BMC, finished as the best from her nation in 14th, seven seconds down.
Stage 1 begins with a 106km route from the Surf City bypass to Nahuizalco Central Park in Sonsonate. A second-category climb in the final kilometres could allow the climbers and puncheurs to start shaping the general classification.
Though only a brief effort, the prologue has already given an early glimpse of the formbook. The time gaps are small, but with El Salvador’s terrain offering daily challenges, there’s plenty of opportunity for the standings to shift.
2025 Vuelta a El Salvador Prologue result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
