Scheldeprijs 2025 - Alba makes the break

Handsling-Alba went to the Scheldeprijs, where they would face some of the strongest teams in women's cycling. The Scheldeprijs is the last of cycling's Spring Classics and takes place in the cycling stronghold of Flanders. As a development team looking to bring on young riders, Handsling-Alba could have been forgiven for sitting in the bunch and learning the ropes. However, nobody told Amelia Tyler that!

Unaware of the accepted script, Tyler jumped away from the bunch after just fifteen kilometres. Working with her breakaway companion Allison Mrugal of Cynisca Cycling, Alison extended her lead to two and a half minutes and held that for ninety of the Scheldeprijs' one hundred and thirty kilometres. This was despite a determined chase from the UCI Pro team, EF Eductation-Oatly. 

While the bunch did its best to bring the daring duo back, it wasn't until the second lap of the finishing circuit that Welsh wonder Zoe Backstedt broke away with Marie Schreiber. They were soon joined by six other riders who worked together to bridge across to the lead group.

After working hard all day, Amelia and her companion could sit in and enjoy the 'rest' as the group worked to keep the bunch at bay. Unfortunately the Scheldeprijs' parcour is flat which makes it relatively easy for a determined peloton to organise a chase. With less than two kilometres to go Amelia and the break were caught and swallowed by a rampaging bunch keen to deliver their sprinters to the line.

As Handsling-Alba prepared their sprint, a crash a few hundred metres from the finish put the team out of place. Although none of their riders went down, it meant they couldn't contest the finish. In the end the race was won by Elisa Balsano of Lidl-Trek.

Despite the scrappy finish Handsling-Alba can come away from the 2025 Scheldeprijs with their heads held high. Team manager Bob Lyons said the team had gone into the race with a plan to make the early break; Amelia made sure that the plan worked. After a hard day on the bike holding off some of the sport's top riders she said it was an "incredible atmosphere all day and so good to get this amazing team TV time!"

The team's schedule sees them heading back to the UK for the East Cleveland Classic,  which is the second round of the British Cycling Women's National Road Series. After that it's back to Europe; to see their full schedule, click here.

The team are riding on Handsling's A1R0evo, a UCI-approved road bike designed by Handsling using their own moulds and Toray T800 carbon fibre. The A1R0evo is designed for peak performance, comfort, and durability and is trusted by elite riders like Alison Tyler.

Choose the A1R0evo and take advantage of Handsling's customisation options to build your ultimate bike, whether your racing with the world's best, chasing your PBs, or riding with friends!