Lauren Stephens opened her title defence at the 2025 Tour of the Gila with a commanding win in the Tyrone time trial, setting a strong early lead in the general classification on day one. The Aegis Cycling Mixed Team rider was untouchable on the 7.2km course, completing the stage in 38:28 and putting over a minute into her nearest challenger.
Seventeen-year-old Sidney Swierenga was second, an impressive result for the Canadian riding for TaG Cycling. Her ride also earned her the lead in the Best Young Rider classification. Karen Villamizar Varon of PatoBike BMC finished third, one second ahead of Marjorie Rinaldo of Fount Cycling Guild, but nearly two minutes behind Stephens.
For Stephens, the win marks her first of the 2025 season after leaving the Continental ranks behind in Europe. It also sets her up strongly to defend the overall title she won last year.
The Tyrone time trial has traditionally featured mid-race, but for 2025, it opened the week. With GC gaps now established early, the stage reshuffle has reshaped the dynamic heading into the mountain stages and sprint days to come.
In the men’s UCI time trial, Eric Brunner of Competitive Edge Racing secured a narrow win. He beat Owen Wright of Canel’s – Java by just four seconds, while Caleb Classen of Project Echelon was third at 17 seconds back. The men’s top three were closely matched, a contrast to the women’s event where Stephens clearly distanced herself from the rest.
This year’s Tour of the Gila features five days of racing in and around Silver City, New Mexico. Stephens, already wearing the leader’s and Queen of the Mountains jerseys, is well-positioned heading into the climbing stages and looks likely to be the rider to beat once again.
2025 Tour of the Gila Stage 1 result
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