Looking to keep their tans from a sun-filled training camp in LA, the men of Rally UHC Cycling head to Mallorca, Spain to tackle the 22nd Challenge Mallorca. This unique race is comprised of four UCI 1.1 one-day races, running from January 31st through February 3rd and totaling 649 km. Taking place on the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Challenge Mallorca passes through dozens of municipalities throughout Mallorca until its sprint finale in Palma on February 3rd.
With four days of racing against elite competition, Rally UHC Cycling brings a formidable roster to Challenge Mallorca. Rob Britton, Brandon McNulty, Ty Magner. John Murphy, Pier-André Coté, Ryan Anderson, Gavin Mannion, Adam de Vos, and Evan Huffman will toe the line for the team.
January 31st | Ses Salines Trophy – Fields – Porreres – Felantix
Stage one begins in Ses Salines and takes riders for a 177 km loop around the southern region of the island. After tackling four climbs during the stage, the race finishes atop the category two climb of Puig de San Salvador where the 14th-century monastery of San Salvador resides.
February 1st | Trofeo Andratx – Lloseta
For stage two, the peloton will ride 172 km along Majorca’s western coastline before a flat finish near Lloseta. At this stage, a fast finish is expected, which bodes well for Rally UHC Cycling sprinter Ty Magner.
“Mallorca is perfect for the early season because you get a good mix of climbing and fast finishes,” said Magner. “I’m excited to start racing with the guys and test my legs in the sprints.”
February 2nd | Trofeo de Tramuntana: Soller – Deia
The third day of racing sends the peloton on a 140 km route from Campos to the Village hall in Deià which features six classified climbs. Unlike its preceding stage, stage three will be the first challenge for the team’s climbers.
After finishing 15th in last year’s GP Miguel Indurain, Brandon McNulty is no stranger to Spanish one-day racing.
“I’m looking forward to starting my season in Mallorca,” said McNulty. “I felt really good at our California training camp and the one-day format in Mallorca gives me the freedom to race my bike.”
February 3rd | Trofeo Palma
The 159 km finale is the last opportunity for the sprinters. With over 30 km separating the day’s final climb and the finish, Rally UHC Cycling’s leadout train will need to bring their A-game if they want to stand on the podium at the end of the day.
Facing some of the world’s top squads including reigning World Champion Alejandro Valverde’s Movistar Team, Rally UHC Cycling is bringing a potent roster of sprinters and climbers to match both the Challenge Mallorca’s diverse stages and a world-class field. As the season opener, The Challenge Mallorca will set the bar for the upcoming season.
Challenge Mallorca roster
Rob Britton
Brandon McNulty
Ty Magner
John Murphy
Pier-Andre Cote
Ryan Anderson
Gavin Mannion
Adam de Vos
Evan Huffman
