Debora Silvestri delivered a memorable home triumph for Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi at the 2025 GP Ciudad de Eibar, sprinting to her first professional victory in a dramatic and emotional finale that also marked the final race of teammate Ane Santesteban’s career.
The Italian emerged victorious from a reduced group after a rain-hit and incident-filled 131.7-kilometre race, outsprinting Noemie Thomson of DAS–Hutchinson and Alice Coutinho of Massi Baix Ter Women’s Team on the cobbled finish in Eibar.
Weather disruptions and early chaos
Heavy rain forced organisers to neutralise the opening third of the race due to hazardous road conditions, with racing only resuming with 70 kilometres remaining. Once underway, Laboral Kutxa took control of the pace to bring back an early breakaway of five riders, while crashes and mechanical issues thinned the field.
Among those affected was Santesteban, who suffered a mechanical before the final climb but fought her way back to the front group inside the last 20 kilometres. The team then assumed command on the ascent to Ixua, setting a strong tempo that split the bunch and set the stage for the finale.
Crashes reshape the finale
On the climb, Usoa Ostolaza of Laboral Kutxa attacked strongly and crested Ixua alone, 20 seconds ahead of Silvestri and Thomson. But the descent proved treacherous, with both Silvestri and Ostolaza crashing on the slick roads. While Ostolaza’s fall cost her the chance of victory, Silvestri remounted, regained contact, and launched a decisive sprint to take the win in the centre of Eibar.
Ostolaza recovered to finish fifth, sealing a remarkable display of teamwork and determination from the Basque squad. “It was a very hard and emotional day,” said sports director Peio Goikoetxea. “We had several crashes, but in the end, with Debora’s victory, we can celebrate leaving the win at home.”
Santesteban’s emotional farewell
The day was equally significant for Ane Santesteban, who closed her professional career after 25 years in the peloton. The Basque rider received a warm send-off from teammates, family, and fans, with tributes at both the start and finish. “I can barely speak. Today has been a very emotional and beautiful day. Laboral Kutxa has won with Debora, and I could not have imagined a more perfect ending,” she said.
“I always wanted to retire in a home team, and the opportunity to do it here, surrounded by friends and family, is a dream. For me this team is much more than a team – it is my family.”
A breakthrough moment for Silvestri
For Silvestri, the win represents a major milestone in her career and the first professional victory of her life. The 27-year-old has been a reliable climber and support rider for Laboral Kutxa, and her performance in Eibar demonstrated both resilience and tactical instinct on a day marked by crashes and constant changes in fortune.
Her triumph capped an unforgettable day for Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi – one that combined the joy of a breakthrough win with the emotion of saying goodbye to one of the Basque team’s most respected riders.
2025 GP Ciudad de Eibar result
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