Karlijn Swinkels opened her 2025 account with victory at the Trofeo Oro in Euro, improving on her second place from last season behind Elisa Longo Borghini, who was replaced this morning after struggling at Strade Bianche yesterday. The UAE Team ADQ rider outsprinted Puck Pieterse to take the win in Montignoso, with her teammate Dominika Włodarczyk securing third place after playing a key role in the final. Anne Knijnenburg finished just off the podium in fourth for VolkerWessels.
The 13th edition of the race followed its usual 106.8 km route, with five laps of a flat 13 km circuit setting the stage before two ascents of the Fortezza climb (3.5 km at 6%) shaped the finale. The fast pace meant early attacks struggled to gain much ground, though Sandra Alonso of Ceratizit Pro Cycling, Nela Sláňková of Dukla Praha, and Monica Castagna of Top Girls Fassa Bortolo were active in the opening moves.
Fenix-Deceuninck and UAE Team ADQ took control as the race reached the climbs, ensuring the peloton remained compact. On the first passage of the Fortezza, a select group began to form, with Pieterse, Knijnenburg, Erica Magnaldi, and Margot Vanpachtenbeke among those testing their legs. Coming off a strong ride at Strade Bianche, Pieterse looked particularly sharp.
Decisive attack on the final climb
The second ascent of the Fortezza climb proved crucial, as UAE Team ADQ ramped up the pace. Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini and Silvia Persico led the charge, setting up Włodarczyk and Swinkels to make their move. The acceleration distanced much of the field, with only Pieterse able to follow as a three-rider front group emerged.
With two riders in the group, UAE Team ADQ had the advantage, and Włodarczyk committed fully to setting up Swinkels for the sprint. Pieterse later admitted she found herself in a difficult position, saying:
“The plan was to drop the sprinters on the climb, but in the end, I was caught between the two UAE riders. I know how fast Karlijn is, and I made a mistake with my sprint because I actually had good legs.”
Swinkels seals the win
Despite Pieterse’s best efforts, Swinkels delivered in the sprint, securing her first victory of the season and the seventh of her career. Włodarczyk completed the podium after her selfless ride, while Knijnenburg finished fourth. Arianna Fidanza also put in a strong performance, taking ninth place for Laboral Kutxa. The Italian handled the tough final climbs well, showing ambition throughout the race.
Swinkels was full of praise for her teammates after the win: “I’m so happy—the team was absolutely perfect today. Everyone played their role so well. On the climb, we tried to make the race hard, and when Dominika attacked, I followed Pieterse. That was the perfect situation for me—I could save energy and then go all-in at the finish.”
With UAE Team ADQ’s strength on display, Swinkels made the most of their numerical superiority, making up for her near-miss in 2024 to stand on the top step this time around.
2025 Trofeo Oro in Euro result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Getty
