Winner of Paris–Roubaix in 2022 and runner-up at the World Championships in 2021, he is one of the best specialists of his generation

The 2025 Critérium La Nucía continues to raise the level of its lineup with the addition of one of the great figures of the international peloton. Dutch rider Dylan van Baarle (Visma–Lease a Bike), one of the most prestigious cyclists of the past decade and one of the most gifted classics specialists of his generation, has confirmed his participation in the next edition of the event, which will take place on October 18. This will mark the start of two legendary days that will culminate just 24 hours later with the Gran Fondo, on a route designed by Miguel Indurain.

With this new addition, the organization of the Critérium La Nucía welcomes another star to a roster that already includes names such as Isaac Del Toro (UAE–Emirates) and the winner of the last Tour de France, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Visma–Lease a Bike).

To speak of Dylan van Baarle is to speak of that more epic, mystical cycling that emanates directly from its birthplace: the great northern classics. In his palmarès, where quality takes precedence over quantity, the standout is his 2022 victory in what, for many, is the cycling race par excellence: Paris–Roubaix.

On its brutal cobblestones, where many of the sport’s legends have faltered, Van Baarle emerged as the best in the 2022 edition, riding for Ineos Grenadiers and relegating to second place the rider who, only a year later, would become his current teammate: Wout van Aert.

That triumph came just a week after coming close to glory in another cobbled Monument: the Tour of Flanders, where he finished second behind one of the stars of the 2024 Critérium La Nucía: Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck).

Van Baarle has also claimed victories in races such as Dwars door Vlaanderen (2021) and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (2023) and took the silver medal at the 2021 World Championships, the day Julian Alaphilippe donned the first of his two rainbow jerseys.

The organizer of the Critérium and Gran Fondo La Nucía, Javier Castellar, expressed his satisfaction with Van Baarle’s arrival, stating:
“His participation guarantees spectacle and excitement, as he is one of the most combative and consistent riders on the international circuit. His ability to shine both on flat terrain and in medium-mountain stages always makes him a formidable rival and an undeniable attraction for the public.”

A lineup of international stars

The Critérium La Nucía, which gathers thousands of fans each year at the Camilo Cano Sports City, will once again feature a world-class field. Castellar himself warns that:
“Del Toro, Ferrand-Prévot, and Van Baarle are only the first confirmations of a peloton that will surprise everyone who joins us on October 18.”

Since its creation, the event has sought to bring elite cycling closer to the fans, combining competition with parallel activities, autograph sessions, and the chance to share up close the passion for the bicycle. Moreover, Castellar insists, “the inclusion of international figures such as those mentioned strengthens the global projection of the Critérium and consolidates La Nucía as a true ‘City of Sport.’”

La Nucía, epicenter of cycling

With first-class sports infrastructure and a passionate fan base, La Nucía is preparing once again to host this cycling spectacle that will serve as the grand finale to the season. The event will not only attract local and regional fans but also visitors from across Spain and abroad, further consolidating itself as both a sporting and tourist engine for the Marina Baixa region.

In fact, the arrival of much of the international peloton for the Critérium and Gran Fondo La Nucía is only a preview of a much larger influx during the cold winter months, when most WorldTour teams choose this part of Spain for their preseason training camps.