The GP Mazda Schelkens returns to Borsbeek this week with its now-familiar formula: a flat, fast circuit race built for the sprinters. The 128.7km route comprises 11 laps of a 11.7km circuit, offering little respite and no elevation to speak of. It’s a straightforward course, but that doesn’t mean the racing is simple. With narrow urban roads and repeated corners, the race demands sharp positioning and well-drilled lead-outs, particularly in the final few kilometres.
The event stepped up to UCI 1.1 status in 2024, and it was Martina Fidanza who seized the opportunity, sprinting to her first win of the season. Backed by a polished Ceratizit-WNT train, Fidanza held off Daria Pikulik and Sara Fiorin in a tense final dash. The result confirmed her status as one of the sport’s most dependable finishers on flat terrain, and underlined the team’s tactical execution throughout the race.
Before its elevation to 1.1 level, the race was twice held at 1.2. Dina Scavone won in 2023 with a smartly judged sprint, while Danique Braam took the honours in 2022. Over those three editions, one name has consistently been in the mix without quite sealing victory – Marthe Truyen. The Belgian has twice finished on the podium, narrowly missing out, and will be motivated to finally convert one of those near-misses into a win.
Given the course profile, a bunch sprint remains the most likely outcome. Past editions have seen occasional solo attempts or late attacks, but the sprinters’ teams have usually had the firepower to bring everything back. With tight lap racing and the potential for chaos in the closing laps, staying upright and in position is half the battle.
Which teams are racing at GP Mazda Schelkens 2025?
- Human Powered Health
- AG Insurance-Soudal Team
- Fenix-Deceuninck
- Lidl-Trek
- UAE Team ADQ
- Uno-X Mobility
- Cofidis Women Team
- Laboral Kutxa-Fundacion Euskadi
- St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93
- VolkerWessels Pro Cycling Team
- DD Group Pro Cycling Team
- Lotto Ladies
- Velopro-Alphamotorhomes
- CJ O’SHEA Racing Team
- NZL New Zealand
- Baloise Minimax WB Ladies
- Carbonbike Giordana by Gen Z
- Cyclingteam Belco/Van Eyck
- De Ceuster-Bouwpunt
- KDM-Pack Cycling Team
- Keukens Redant Cycling Team
- MTD Women Cycling
- Multum Accountants-Foca Keukens
- NZL Simpson Nouvelles
- WV Breda Women
What does the GP Mazda Schelkens race profile look like?
Where can I watch the GP Mazda Schelkens race?
The 2025 edition of GP Mazda Schelkens can be watched on Pickx.be from 3:00pm BST on 9th June 2025.
Who are the main riders to watch?
- Catalina Soto Campos
- Eilidh Shaw
- Victoire Berteau
- Daria Pikulik
- Kathrin Schweinberger
- Valentine Fortin
- Julie Stockman
- Maggie Coles-Lyster
- Laura Tomas
- Scarlett Souren
- Nicole Steigenga
- Susanne Andersen
- Julie De Wilde
- Karolina Kumiega
- Silvia Zanardi
- Marion Norbert Riberolle
- Ilse Pluimers
- Arianna Fidanza
- Lonneke Uneken
- Maria Giulia Confalonieri
- Martina Alzini
- Clara Copponi
- Katrijn De Clercq
- Lucie Fityus
- Sofie van Rooijen
- Alli Anderson
