Sandra Alonso, the Torrevieja-born cyclist, is set to represent the Spanish women’s team at the Road World Championship this Sunday. The event will cap a busy week in Scotland, with Glasgow serving as the backdrop for this global road race finale.
Sandra Alonso, pioneer of Alicante cycling
Her presence stands out within a squad that blends experienced riders with rising talents. The competition aligns with a historic schedule twist: the women’s elite road race closes the World Cup program, while the men’s race concluded last Sunday with a dramatic victory by Mathieu van der Poel, who narrowly missed a rare triple after a spectacular fall in the mountain bike segment. The shift underscores the growing emphasis on women’s cycling at the sport’s highest level.
The 154.1-kilometer course begins at Loch Lomond and winds toward Scotland’s capital. Riders must navigate a demanding, twisty route that rewards strong positioning and strategic pacing as the race unfolds through varied terrain and time-sensitive decisions.
#GlasgowScotland2023 | @SandyAD98 shares her approach to Sunday’s World Cup test. She emphasizes comfort on the track and the importance of precise positioning as key to a solid performance. The message reflects a focused mindset from the team and supporters, with the Spaniards aiming to build on recent results and maximize opportunities for a strong finish.
With the mixed relay finishing 11th and the individual time trial placing 42nd, Alonso remains a vital figure within Spain’s lineup. The team highlights the need to optimize on-track comfort and key placements as races progress, a sentiment shared by the Alicante rider who enters the race preparing for a competitive showing.
Sandra Alonso explains her approach in simple terms: stay relaxed, find smooth lines on the course, and react quickly to changes in tempo. Her viewpoint reflects a broader team philosophy that values consistency, smart pacing, and the ability to respond to tactical moves from rivals. The squad features several notable riders, including Sheyla Gutiérrez, Sara Martín, and Alba Teruel, all aiming to challenge the field and position themselves for medals. The Dutch team’s strength is pointed out, with defending champion Annemiek van Vleuten and Tour de France winner Demi Vollering acknowledged as formidable favorites. The Spaniards, though, view the race as an opportunity to prove depth and resilience beyond the few top riders on the roster.
For Alonso, this marks her second absolute World Championship appearance. Her previous campaign in Australia did not reach the finish line in the road event, but she previously earned an eighth-place finish in the junior category in 2016. The experience gained from past World Championships informs her preparation and tactical approach, reinforcing the idea that steady improvement and race-by-race learning can yield meaningful progress on the world stage.
In this context, the team’s strategy blends patience with opportunistic efforts as the course evolves. The athletes focus on maintaining ideal line selection, conserving energy for late surges, and leveraging team support to shield riders from wind while advancing position ahead of critical laps and sectors. The World Championship remains a proving ground where every kilometer tests endurance, steering choices, and the ability to respond to unpredictable race dynamics.
Overall, Alonso’s participation embodies a broader narrative of Spanish cycling’s growth and the increasing prominence of women’s events in elite competition. The road race in Scotland serves not only as a championship but also as a showcase for talent, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of personal bests on a world stage, where every push matters and persistence often translates into results.