Get ready for an exhilarating showdown at the Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana 2026, where the question on everyone’s lips is: Will Remco Evenepoel seize victory in this challenging hilly classic? This prestigious event, which marks the third stage of the Challenge Mallorca, is set to unfold on January 30th. The race is expected to kick off at 12:20 CET and conclude around 16:05 CET, making it a highly anticipated highlight in the cycling calendar.
The Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana stands out as one of the key early-season tests for climbers, offering riders the chance to tackle significant climbs even in the heart of winter. Since its inception, this race has seen a remarkable array of champions, with cycling legends like Alejandro Valverde, Philippe Gilbert, Paolo Bettini, and Fabian Cancellara gracing its winners' list.
Among the standout performers in previous editions is Belgian climber Tim Wellens, who has not only participated but has also secured multiple memorable victories on this demanding course. Other noteworthy victors include Kobe Goossens, who triumphed in 2023, and Lennert Van Eetvelt, who claimed the 2024 title after overcoming fierce competition from athletes like Aleksandr Vlasov and Brandon McNulty. Last year, Florian Stork made headlines by achieving a career-defining first win in Mallorca, a moment that undoubtedly marked a significant milestone in his professional journey.
This year, the race promises to be particularly intriguing due to adjustments in the course layout. Riders will encounter the Coll de Puig Major via its less challenging side, which includes a technically demanding descent, followed by the eight-kilometer climb of Coll de Soller. However, these climbs occur 50 kilometers before the race's conclusion, leading into a lengthy flat stretch that may dissuade riders from launching long-range attacks.
In an exciting turn, the finish line will now be located at the Santuari de Lluc, featuring a downhill finale that follows the ascent of Coll de sa Batalla, an 8.4-kilometer climb averaging 4.9%. This change creates a battleground where climbers and punchy riders will clash strategically, making for a potentially thrilling finish.
The profile for this year's route from Selva to Santuari de Lluc spans 154 kilometers, setting the stage for an intense race.
As for predictions, many are placing their bets on Remco Evenepoel and Christian Scaroni as frontrunners, while Pablo Castrillo and António Morgado are also expected to perform strongly. Other competitors to watch include Enric Mas, Georg Steinhauser, Andrea Vendrame, Magnus Cort Nielsen, Pavel Sivakov, Clément Champoussin, Urko Berrade, and Mathys Rondel.
Expect some late solo attacks as strategies unfold throughout this challenging yet captivating event. Who do you think will take home the win? Are you leaning towards Evenepoel, or do you see another contender rising to the occasion? Let’s hear your thoughts!
