Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka Clinches Victory at Maryland Cycling Classic in Dramatic Four-Way Sprint Finish Against Alison Jackson and Competitors

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Skalniak-Sójka Claims Victory at 2025 maryland Cycling Classic

Updated September 6, 2025 03:25PM

Baltimore, MD – Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka of Canyon-SRAM Zondacrypto has emerged victorious at the 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic, showcasing a masterful performance on the demanding Baltimore circuit.the Polish rider triumphed over a resolute field, securing her second win of the season on September 6th, 2025.

Dramatic Finale on BaltimoreS Challenging Course

The race culminated in a thrilling sprint finish after a breakaway group of four riders established a meaningful lead on the final lap. Alison jackson, a former Paris-Roubaix champion representing EF Education-Oatly, finished second, while Emma Langley of Aegis Cycling Foundation secured third place.The decisive move unfolded on the last of four challenging laps, characterized by cobblestones, steep climbs, and technical corners.

The initial breakaway consisted of Langley, Jackson, Skalniak-Sójka, and Marta Jaskulska from Ceratizit Pro Cycling. These riders, representing some of the sport’s top teams, quickly demonstrated cohesion as the race progressed under rising heat and humidity. A subsequent attack from EF Education-Oatly’s Clara Emond added another layer of complexity to the situation, growing the leading gap.

Despite a valiant effort from Natalie Quinn to bridge the gap, the breakaway riders maintained their advantage, particularly after the challenging ascent of St. Mary’s Cemetery climb. Jaskulska initially faltered on the steep slope, but the remaining quartet continued to battle it out, marking each other’s attacks effectively.

Tactical Brilliance Secures Victory

Langley launched a surprise attack with 2 kilometers remaining, but Skalniak-Sójka demonstrated exceptional awareness and quickly countered the move, confidently positioning herself for the sprint. the Polish rider initiated the sprint, skillfully maneuvering from the wheel of Emond.Jackson responded with a strong acceleration,threatening to overtake her,but Skalniak-Sójka held on to claim the narrow victory.

Skalniak-Sójka Reflects on Hard-Fought Win

“I am so happy to finally get this win,” Skalniak-Sójka expressed after the race. “I am realy proud of how well we rode as a team.I had a slashed tire on one of the laps, and the whole team waited for me, so I am really grateful.” She also noted her affinity for racing in the United States, recalling a strong performance at the junior world championships in Richmond.

Canyon-SRAM entered the race with Skalniak-Sójka as their designated leader, but the competition proved fierce. The rider’s astute tactical decision-making and strong legs proved decisive in securing the win.

Key race Statistics

Rider	Team	Position
Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka	Canyon-SRAM Zondacrypto	1st
Alison Jackson	EF Education-Oatly	2nd
Emma Langley	Aegis Cycling Foundation	3rd

Did You Know? The Maryland Cycling Classic is a relatively new addition to the professional cycling calendar, established in 2022, quickly gaining prominence due to its challenging course and enthusiastic fanbase.

The Increasing Popularity of Women’s Cycling

The success of the Maryland Cycling classic and riders like Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka underscores the growing popularity of women’s professional cycling. According to UCI data, participation and viewership in women’s cycling events have been steadily increasing globally, attracting more sponsors and media coverage.

Pro Tip: When analyzing cycling races, pay attention to the course profile. courses with repeated climbs and technical sections often favor riders with strong climbing abilities and bike-handling skills.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Maryland Cycling Classic

• What is the Maryland Cycling Classic? It’s a professional road cycling race held annually in Maryland, attracting top riders from around the world.
• Who won the 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic? Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka of Canyon-SRAM Zondacrypto secured the victory.
• What made the 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic particularly challenging? The race featured a demanding course with cobblestones, steep climbs, and technical corners.
• Which teams were the most competitive in the race? Canyon-SRAM, EF Education-Oatly, and Aegis Cycling Foundation were among the leading teams.
• What is the significance of this win for agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka? It marked her second win of the season and further solidified her position as a prominent rider.

What are your thoughts on Skalniak-Sójka’s winning strategy? do you think the course design favored breakaway specialists?

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What strategic advantages did Human powered Health and EF Education-Cannondale employ in the final kilometer to position their sprinters?

Agnieszka skalniak-Sójka Wins Maryland Cycling Classic in Thrilling Sprint

the Final Sprint: A Breakdown of the Action

Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka (Human Powered Health) secured a stunning victory at the 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic, narrowly edging out Alison Jackson (EF Education-Cannondale) and two other competitors in a breathtaking four-way sprint finish. The race, known for its challenging course and unpredictable conditions, delivered on its promise of excitement right down to the wire. The sprint unfolded in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, creating a dramatic backdrop for the culmination of the one-day race.

Here’s a detailed look at how the final moments unfolded:

Positioning is Key: The final kilometer saw intense jockeying for position as teams attempted to deliver their sprinters to the front. Human Powered Health and EF Education-Cannondale were particularly active, controlling the pace and protecting their leaders.

The Lead-Out Train: Both teams utilized lead-out trains, with riders sacrificing themselves to shield their sprinters from the wind and create a clear path to the finish line.

The Final Push: With 200 meters to go, the sprint truly ignited. Skalniak-Sójka launched her sprint from the wheel of Jackson, demonstrating extraordinary power and timing.

Photo Finish: The margin of victory was incredibly tight, requiring a photo finish to confirm Skalniak-Sójka as the winner. Initial reports suggest a difference of mere millimeters.

Key Race Moments & Course Highlights

The 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic featured a demanding course totaling approximately 120 miles, incorporating rolling hills and challenging climbs. Several key moments shaped the race before the explosive sprint finish:

1. Early breakaway: A group of five riders established a breakaway early in the race, gaining a maximum advantage of over five minutes. This breakaway was ultimately reeled in by the peloton with around 40 kilometers remaining.
2. The Baltimore County climb: The Baltimore County climb, a significant ascent approximately 60 kilometers into the race, proved to be a crucial selection point, splitting the peloton and testing the legs of the climbers.
3. Tactical Racing: The middle portion of the race was characterized by tactical racing,with teams constantly probing for weaknesses and attempting to disrupt the rhythm of the peloton.
4. Windy Conditions: Strong winds throughout the day added another layer of difficulty, forcing riders to expend extra energy and making positioning even more critical.

Rider Profiles: Skalniak-Sójka vs. Jackson

Understanding the strengths of the key contenders provides context to the thrilling finish.

Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka (Human Powered Health):

Nationality: Polish

Specialty: Sprinter, Classics Rider

Key Strengths: Powerful sprint, tactical awareness, ability to handle challenging courses. Known for her consistent performance in one-day races.

previous Wins: Multiple stage wins in UCI-level stage races.

Alison Jackson (EF education-Cannondale):

Nationality: Canadian

Specialty: Sprinter, Puncheur

Key Strengths: Explosive acceleration, strong climbing ability, aggressive racing style. A consistent threat in sprint finishes.

Previous Wins: Victories in prestigious one-day races, including a notable win at the 2023 Vårgårda West Sweden.

The Impact of Team Strategy on the Result

Team tactics played a pivotal role in the outcome of the Maryland Cycling Classic. Human Powered health’s strategy focused on conserving energy throughout the race and positioning Skalniak-Sójka for the final sprint. Their lead-out train proved effective in delivering her to the front in optimal condition.

EF Education-Cannondale also executed a strong team strategy, but ultimately, Skalniak-Sójka’s perfectly timed sprint and the effectiveness of Human Powered Health’s lead-out proved decisive.The ability to control the pace and protect key riders is paramount in races like the Maryland Cycling Classic.

Maryland Cycling Classic: A Growing Event in the US Cycling Calendar

the Maryland Cycling Classic has quickly established itself as a significant event on the US professional cycling calendar. Attracting top riders from around the world, the race provides a challenging and exciting spectacle for fans.

Economic Impact: The event generates significant economic activity for the host city of Baltimore and surrounding areas.

Community engagement: The race fosters community engagement, attracting thousands of spectators and promoting cycling as a healthy and sustainable form of transportation.

Future Growth: Organizers are committed to expanding the event in the coming years, possibly adding additional stages and attracting even more international participation. The race is a key component in the growth of cycling within the United States.

Sprinting Techniques: Analyzing Skalniak-Sójka’s Victory

Skalniak-Sójka’s victory wasn’t just about raw power; it was a masterclass in sprinting technique.

Timing: Launching the sprint at the precise moment, avoiding opening up too early and being swamped by competitors.