Scheldeprijs Women LIVE: Can anyone prevent a bunch sprint, or will the fast women take the honours again?

Elisa Balsamo of Lidl-Trek claimed victory at the 2025 Scheldeprijs Women, continuing the trend of fast finishes in this Belgian one-day race. The event, held in Schoten near Antwerp, is known for favouring sprinters, and the outcome once again saw the strongest riders in the bunch sprint take the honours. The race unfolded against the backdrop of a demanding spring campaign, with many riders still feeling the effects of recent classics. Key context for this edition includes the absence of Movistar’s Marlen Reusser, who suffered another crash and was unable to start. Movistar also chose to skip the ProSeries race, likely to allow their squad recovery time after the punishing Tour of Flanders. That race, dominated by Demi Vollering and her FDJ United-SUEZ team, set a high bar for power and endurance, underscoring the physical toll these spring classics exert on the peloton. The atmosphere on race day was upbeat despite the challenges, with teams like Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi celebrating milestones such as Catalina Anais Soto’s birthday before the start. The Scheldeprijs Women remains a highlight on the calendar, attracting top talent eager to showcase their sprinting prowess after a series of intense races. The event’s location and timing continue to make it a key fixture for riders specialising in fast finishes. Looking ahead, the Scheldeprijs Women’s reputation as a sprinters’ race appears secure, with few signs that breakaways or alternative tactics will disrupt the expected bunch sprints. As teams prepare for the next rounds of the season, managing recovery and targeting specific races will be crucial, especially given the demanding nature of the spring classics. The continued dominance of riders like Balsamo suggests that the battle for sprint supremacy will remain a focal point in upcoming events.