Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi has bolstered its roster with two strategic signings, unveiling Yuliia Biriukova of Ukraine and Yanina Kuskova of Uzbekistan. As the Basque team finalises its squad of 14 riders, these new arrivals aim to elevate Laboral Kutxa’s UCI points tally, supporting their bid to score enough points to qualify for the Women’s WorldTour at the end of the 2025 season.
Biriukova ready to strengthen the team in the mountains
The 26-year-old Biriukova, a seasoned competitor from Lviv, comes over from WorldTour outfit Human Powered Health. Known for her versatility, Biriukova expressed her excitement about joining the Basque squad, noting her enthusiasm to contribute to Laboral Kutxa’s growth trajectory. “I’m very happy with the move to Laboral Kutxa,” she shared, adding, “I’ve watched the team’s progress, and I hope that together we can achieve a lot more.”
Reflecting on her career development, Biriukova spoke of her strengths in stage races and mountain tours, areas she hopes to build upon with her new team. “I started cycling at 12 when a coach visited my school, and I showed interest in giving it a go,” she explained. “Initially, it was all track competitions, but from 2020, I decided to prepare for road races.” Biriukova, who recently competed in her first Olympics and has endured a challenging year, expressed her commitment to refining her climbing abilities and improving general classification performances. “The year 2024 was tough, though I achieved some results and took part in the Olympics. I didn’t accomplish all I’d planned, but I’ve analysed my mistakes and am ready to keep pushing forward,” she said.
Kuskova embarks on European journey
Meanwhile, Kuskova, 23, brings fresh promise from her experience with Tashkent City Women Professional Cycling Team, where she has spent the past three seasons. A six-time national champion across road and time trials, Kuskova has already tasted international racing, participating in the Olympics, World Championships, Giro d’Italia Women, and famously, the Tour de France Femmes in 2024. During the last race on that list, Kuskova was the only Tashkent City Women rider still riding after a couple of stages, but despite riding solo was able to reach the finish line and finish 47th in GC. Her transfer to Laboral Kutxa is expected to boost her performance on the European stage.
The Uzbek rider described her signing as a career highlight, saying, “It’s one of the best moments of my life. I’m very happy and can hardly believe I’m truly part of this team. It was time to take a new step in my cycling career with Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi.” Kuskova, who will don the team’s purple jersey, sees her move as a platform to learn and compete at a higher level. “This team is one of the best in the Continental category and a fantastic place to progress globally. My goal is to develop and learn to win. I know I have a lot to offer, and I’m ready to work hard and achieve my objectives with Laboral Kutxa. I’m looking forward to 2025 and the races to come.”
Team director Lazkano outlines potential of new acquisitions and final 2025 line-up
Laboral Kutxa’s sporting director, Ion Lazkano, commended the acquisitions, underscoring Biriukova’s physical power and Kuskova’s tenacity. Lazkano noted, “Biriukova has a strong engine. She performs well in demanding races with steep climbs and is competitive in time trials, so she can contend in general classifications. Kuskova, on the other hand, is an all-rounder, bold and unafraid to attack. She’s shown her skills both on climbs and on the flat. There’s no doubt they’ll both enhance the team and raise the group’s overall level.”
With the new signings, Laboral Kutxa now fields a team of 14 riders for the upcoming season, including four new signings, two renewals, and an extended contract for Usoa Ostolaza. Alongside Biriukova and Kuskova, new additions include Alice Maria Arzuffi and Arianna Fidanza. Naia Amondarain and Debora Silvestri have renewed their contracts, while riders such as Yurani Blanco and Jessenia Meneses have exited the team.
- Naia Amondarain (renewal)
- Alice Maria Arzuffi (new signing)
- Yuliia Biriukova (new signing)
- Idoia Eraso
- Arianna Fidanza (new signing)
- Yanina Kuskova (new signing)
- Usoa Ostolaza (extension)
- Ane Santesteban
- Debora Silvestri (renewal)
- Catalina Soto Campos
- Alba Teruel
- Laura Tomasi
- Cristina Tonetti
- Eneritz Vadillo
