Human Powered Health begins its Grand Tour campaign at La Vuelta España Femenina with an announced line-up built to tackle Spain’s varied terrain, mixing climbing talent with flatland support and time trial expertise. From 4th to 10th May, the team will test itself against summit finishes, rolling days and an opening team time trial in Barcelona.
The squad’s general classification ambitions are led by Thalita de Jong, Barbara Malcotti and Mona Mitterwallner. De Jong returns to racing after missing almost the entire spring campaign with injury, and brings experience and renewed motivation into the mountainous stages that could shape the overall standings. Her early-season victory at Trofeo Binissalem–Andratx showed she’s more than capable on similar profiles.
Malcotti arrives off the back of sixth overall at the UAE Tour Women, while Mitterwallner recently confirmed her growing form with a second-place finish at the Grand Prix Féminin de Chambéry. Together, the trio gives the team flexibility in the mountains, particularly on stages 5 and 7, which feature summit finishes likely to decide the red jersey.
“For myself, after six weeks away, we will see where I am with my level,” said De Jong. “But the feeling is good. I’m training well and recovering well. I’m in good shape and can see the others are too.”
Photo Credit: Human Powered HealthSilvia Zanardi will be the protected rider for the sprint stages, supported by a seasoned group of domestiques in Romy Kasper, Marit Raaijmakers and Lily Williams. The flat days are expected to be fast and chaotic, but with Kasper and Raaijmakers coming off strong Classics campaigns, there’s confidence the team can control the run-ins.
The race begins with a short team time trial in Barcelona, where Williams’ Olympic pedigree in the team pursuit will be invaluable. With a fast, technical circuit expected, keeping all seven riders close on time will be key.
“It’s a short TTT, so the speed will be dead high,” De Jong said. “There won’t be huge gaps, but it’s important to keep us all together and set the tone for the week.”
The team has spent the last week in Spain preparing for the race, with focused TTT training and recovery blocks. De Jong noted the benefit of acclimatising in advance: “We’re making progress with every training session, and it’s been helpful being over here ahead of the race.”
Main photo credit: Mallorca Challenge
