Speaking to the team at Human Powered Health ahead of the 2025 Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées, it’s clear that Mona Mitterwallner is heading into the race with unfinished business. Her last road appearance ended prematurely at La Vuelta Femenina, where a crash on stage 3 left her with facial and shoulder injuries. Unable to regain contact with the leaders, she finished the stage over four minutes down and abandoned the race.
After a reset via mountain biking, including a World Cup win at Nové Město and a strong ride in Leogang, the Austrian climber is ready to return to the road. The Col du Soulor summit finish on stage 2 presents the kind of high-altitude test she relishes.
“I’m excited to show what I’m capable of on a mountain finish,” Mitterwallner told the team. “I want to prove to myself that I can get a result on the skinny tyres. I hope I have the legs and I can transfer some MTB power to the road racing.”
Her familiarity with long efforts at altitude could be a decisive advantage. “I’ve looked at stage 2 quite a bit, where my main focus will be. It’s a 1,000-metre climb at the end from approximately 400 metres to 1,400 metres. My interval climb at home is from 600 to 1,600, so it’s pretty similar.”
Human Powered Health will have two riders chasing the overall standings, with Thalita de Jong also given GC freedom. De Jong has shown climbing strength and consistency throughout the spring and brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Marit Raaijmakers returns after strong results in Catalunya, including seventh and eighth-place stage finishes, while Wiktoria Pikulik and Yurani Blanco will provide support. Blanco finished third overall at this race in 2024 and will be vital on both the hilly stages and in controlling the race ahead of the summit finish.
Mitterwallner has already taken her first road podium this year at the Grand Prix Féminin de Chambéry, and after using her mountain bike form to rebuild confidence, she feels prepared for the challenge ahead.
“Transferrable skills equal confidence in racing no matter the bike,” she said. “Once I have confidence, I know I can descend and climb well, and I feel more at one with my bike.”
With no time trial and three climbing-focused stages, the Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées offers a GC battle shaped entirely by the terrain. For Mitterwallner and de Jong, it’s a rare opportunity to lead the line in the mountains.
