AG Insurance-Soudal will start the 2025 edition of La Vuelta Femenina a rider short after Mireia Benito was ruled out due to illness. The Spanish time trial champion was a late scratch ahead of the opening team time trial in Barcelona, leaving the team with just six riders at the start line.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken about pulling out at the last minute. Right now, it’s hard to stay positive, but I guess it’ll take a few days. I’m confident this team will achieve great things on Spanish roads and I wish them all the best. Huge thanks to the staff and teammates for taking good care of me and for being so supportive. Hopefully, the best is yet to come.”
Mireia Benito
Benito’s absence is particularly significant given the nature of the first stage. The 16.1km team time trial was expected to suit her strengths, and she would have been a key part of AG Insurance-Soudal’s effort against the clock. The 28-year-old also misses the opportunity to race her home tour, a major target in her calendar.
The team confirmed the news on social media shortly before the stage:
“Heartbreaking… 💔 @mireiabenito won’t line up at La Vuelta today due to illness. Gutted to miss her home race, but we’ll give our all to make her proud! 💪🏼”
This is the second illness-related absence for AG Insurance-Soudal ahead of the race. Urška Žigart was also forced to withdraw earlier in the week but was replaced in time. Benito’s later withdrawal left no such option, and the team will now have to navigate the opening stages with a reduced line-up.
It’s a challenging start for the Belgian team, with fewer riders for both the team time trial and the mountainous stages to come.
