The organisers of Challenge Mallorca have announced the introduction of a women’s series for the 2024 cycling season. Known for its series of one-day races traditionally exclusive to male competitors, Challenge Mallorca will be extending its platform to feature a three-day, three-race women’s event.
The Challenge Mallorca for men consists of one-day races that unfold on the scenic terrain of the Spanish island of Mallorca, usually around the end of January each year. These races, held at a decent UCI 1.1-level status, include the Trofeo Calvia, Trofeo Port d’Alcudia, Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana, Trofeo Port d’Andratx-Port d’Pollença, and the Trofeo Palma. Held as individual races, riders are able to pick and choose the races they compete in across the week as they look to find some early season form. Up until this point, female cyclists had not been part of the action on this popular Spanish vacation island.
The paradigm is set to shift in 2024, thanks to the initiative taken by Unisport, the organising body. The event for women will kick off on January 20 with the Trofeo Calvià Femina, followed by the Trofeo Palma Femina on January 21, and concluding with the Trofeo Ses Salines Femina on January 22. Similar to the men’s format, the women’s series will also consist of standalone one-day races, making it a great addition to the women’s cycling calendar that’s a little barren of European races in January currently.
The decision to include a women’s series is a significant step forward in acknowledging and elevating the status of women’s cycling on an international stage. It offers a brand new arena for female cyclists to display their talents, attracting a wider audience to women’s cycling and, importantly, providing additional competitive opportunities that were previously unavailable.
