Get ready to witness cycling history in the making – or is it? Lorena Wiebes, the unstoppable sprint queen, is gearing up for the UAE Tour Women, but she’s surprisingly candid about her future. 'There will come a day when I’m beaten in a sprint,' she admits, a statement that’s as bold as it is humbling. But here’s where it gets intriguing: can anyone actually dethrone her? This week, Wiebes returns to the UAE Tour as the undisputed champion, having dominated the race’s three editions with six stage wins, including a clean sweep of the flat stages in 2025. With her unparalleled speed and a season that’s already shaping up to be another record-breaker, the odds are stacked in her favor—but is the cycling world ready for the inevitable shift? And this is the part most people miss: even Wiebes herself is preparing for the day her streak ends, focusing instead on growth and staying at the top of her game.
The 2024 season was nothing short of legendary for the Dutch star. Not only did she secure 25 victories, bringing her career total to a staggering 118, but she remained unbeaten in sprint finishes. Adding to her accolades, she claimed the world gravel title and two more rainbow jerseys on the track, solidifying her status as one of cycling’s greatest. This year’s UAE Tour offers three prime opportunities for sprinters before the climactic ascent of Jebel Hafeet on Sunday, and Wiebes is poised to extend her reign—but will this be the year her rivals finally close the gap?
The action kicks off on Thursday with a 111km pan-flat stage from Al Mirfa to Madinat Zayed, a route Wiebes conquered in 2024. While crosswinds often wreak havoc on the peloton, a forecasted tailwind could set the stage for a blistering race and a massive group sprint. Among her challengers is former teammate Charlotte Kool, who nabbed two stages in 2023 but has since trailed Wiebes. Now with Fenix-Premier Tech, Kool is hungry for redemption. Meanwhile, Canyon-SRAM-zondacrypto’s Chiara Consonni is eager to convert her four stage podiums into a win, and a host of other sprinters are ready to battle for glory. But here’s the controversial question: is Wiebes’ dominance stifling competition, or is she simply in a league of her own?
Despite her monumental success, Wiebes remains grounded. 'The media might focus on when I’ll lose, but I’m focused on the positives—improving, growing, and being the best I can be,' she shared. It’s this mindset that’s made her a force to be reckoned with, yet it also raises a thought-provoking debate: Is her humility a strength, or does it hint at an inevitable decline? As the UAE Tour unfolds, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Wiebes, but the real story might be in the shadows, waiting for the next sprint sensation to emerge. What do you think? Is Wiebes’ reign unshakable, or is the cycling world on the brink of a new era? Let us know in the comments!
