Barbara Malcotti defended a top ten on the general classification at the Vuelta a Burgos on the final time trial to finish ninth overall.
The result marks Malcotti’s second top ten in a Women’s WorldTour stage race in 2025, having previously finished sixth on GC at the UAE Tour Women.
“I am very satisfied because this result also gives morale after all the bad luck of last year,” said Malcotti. “I believe that perseverance and resilience pay off sooner or later.”
Atop her aero-optimized Factor HANZŌ, the 25-year-old put in an impressive performance, averaging 40.09 km/h on the 9.41 km course from Villasana de Mena to Lezana de Mena.
“Today was the stage that scared me the most, since TT is not my speciality, but I think, all things considered, I did a good job,” Malcotti continues. “I believed in it until the end, and I reached the finish line without any strength. I surpassed myself and my limits.”
Teammate Lily Williams was the team’s highest finisher on the day in 15th. Unfortunately, early on in the race, Yurani Blanco and Ruth Edwards were lost to illness, but the remaining athletes banded around Malcotti.
“The atmosphere was serene, and from morning to night, there was a smile and a positive atmosphere,” Malcotti explains of how a vibe has a positive impact on performance. “Yesterday, the girls gave me everything, and I will never stop thanking them. They were fantastic.”
Malcotti’s next big target is the Giro d’Italia Women, the crowning race for any Italian cyclist.
“Now I’m enjoying a few days of recovery before doing a period of altitude in Livigno and preparing for the Giro,” she explains. “This year, the preparation will be supported more by a different mental state and with greater focus, knowing that I could truly compete there.”
Human Powered Health next heads to the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya Femenina from June 6 through 8 and also competes in a tripleheader of Belgian one-day races.
Vuelta a Burgos final General Classification
1 REUSSER Marlen – Movistar Team 9:25:40
2 LONGO BORGHINI Elisa – UAE Team ADQ 1:51
3 KASTELIJN Yara – Fenix-Deceuninck 1:58
4 SPRATT Amanda – Lidl – Trek 2:46
5 LABOUS Juliette – FDJ – SUEZ 2:47
6 CHABBEY Elise – FDJ – SUEZ 3:12
7 OTTESTAD Mie Bjørndal – Uno-X Mobility 3:14
8 CAVALLAR Valentina – Arkéa – B&B Hotels Women 3:27
9 MALCOTTI Barbara – Human Powered Health 3:47
10 AALERUD Katrine – Uno-X Mobility 4:23
Photos: GettySport / HPHCycling
