Watersley Challenge
 Marith Vanhove, winner of the 2020 edition | |
| Race details | |
|---|---|
| Date | August / September |
| Region | Sittard, Limburg, Netherlands |
| Discipline | Road |
| Competition | UCI Junior Nations' Cup |
| Type | Stage race |
| History | |
| First edition | 2018 |
| Editions | 6 (as of 2024) |
| First winner |  Pfeiffer Georgi (GBR) |
| Most recent |  Paula Ostiz (SPA) |
The Watersley Ladies Challenge is a women's junior road cycling stage race held around the estate of Huis Watersley in the Dutch province of Limburg. First held in 2018, the race is part of the UCI Junior Nations' Cup, meaning the competitors ride as part of national teams.[1]
The race is typically organized as three stages: a criterium stage, an individual time trial, and a "queen stage" with difficult climbing.[2][3] The race is considered one of the most prestigious on the junior calendar, noted for its challenging course and high level of competition.[4][5][6]
In 2021, the Watersley Women's Challenge was created by the same organizers for female riders under 23. At the time, it was the only U23 women's race on the UCI calendar.[7] Following the 2023 edition, the race was cancelled, citing financial difficulties and "a struggle to attract entries".[8]
In 2022, the Watersley Junior Challenge was created for male junior riders, following a similar three-stage format. It was classified as part of the UCI Junior Nations' Cup.[9] In 2024, the race was cancelled due to lack of participation.[10]
Winners
[edit]Watersley Ladies Challenge
[edit]| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Pfeiffer Georgi (GBR) |
 Rozemarijn Ammerlaan (NED) |
Anna Docherty (GBR)
|
| 2019 |  Wilma Olausson (SWE) |
Shirin van Anrooij (NED) |
Anna Shackley (GBR)
|
| 2020 |  Marith Vanhove (BEL) |
Julie De Wilde (BEL) |
 Anniina Ahtosalo (FIN)
|
| 2021 | Flora Perkins (GBR) |
 Makayla MacPherson (USA) |
 Linda Riedmann (GER)
|
| 2022 | Zoe Bäckstedt (GBR) |
 Julia Kopecký (CZE) |
Justyna Czapla (GER)
|
| 2023 |  Federica Venturelli (ITA) |
Fleur Moors (BEL) |
Carys Lloyd (GBR)
|
| 2024 | Paula Ostiz (ESP) |
Puck Langenbarg (NED) |
Esther Wong (GBR)
|
Watersley Womens Challenge
[edit]| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Marit Raaijmakers (NED) |
Shari Bossuyt (BEL) |
Pien Limpens (NED)
|
| 2022 |  Dominika Włodarczyk (POL) |
 Ella Wyllie (NZL) |
Lieke Nooijen (NED)
|
| 2023 | Dominika Włodarczyk (POL) |
Valentina Basilico (ITA) |
Eline Jansen (NED)
|
Watersley Junior Challenge
[edit]| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Max van der Meulen (NED) |
Menno Huising (NED) |
 Roman Ermakov (RUS)
|
| 2023 |  Oscar Chamberlain (AUS) |
 Paul Seixas (FRA) |
 Kasper Haugland (NOR)
|
References
[edit]- ^ "Watersley Ladies Challenge - UCI". Union Cycliste Internationale. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "A first in women's cycling at Watersley!". sportsandtalentpark-watersley.com. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ Mitchell, Matthew (6 September 2021). "Learning as a team in Watersley Womens Challenge". procyclinguk.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ Mitchell, Matthew (13 September 2024). "Paula Ostiz set to join Movistar Team in 2025 after standout junior season". procyclinguk.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
including victory in the overall classification of the Watersley Challenge, one of the most prestigious stage races on the junior calendar
- ^ "Team announced for Watersley Ladies Challenge". cyclingireland.ie. 24 August 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
The Watersley Ladies Challenge, scheduled to take place from 30th August-1st September at the Sports and Talent Park in Watersley, the Netherlands, is renowned for its challenging courses and high level of competition.
- ^ Tyson, Jackie (21 December 2024). "Ava Holmgren swaps 'every woman for herself' junior racing for balance in WorldTour". cyclingnews.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
Yes, she competes on the road, too, and had a fourth on GC and the youth classification title at the prestigious Watersley Ladies Challenge in 2022.
- ^ Frattini, Kirsten (14 September 2023). "It's time for a U23 women's category at the UCI Road World Championships". cyclingnews.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ Mitchell, Matthew (27 June 2024). "Watersley Ladies Challenge U23 Race Cancelled for 2024 and Future". procyclinguk.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Junior Challenge 2. Nationscup". sportsandtalentpark-watersley.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Le Watersley Junior Challenge annulé". directvelo.com (in French). 12 June 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Watersley Ladies Challenge - FirstCycling". firstcycling.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Watersley Womens Challenge - FirstCycling". firstcycling.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Watersley Junior Challenge - FirstCycling". firstcycling.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.