Sandy Dujardin Claims Victory at Maryland Cycling Classic Showdown

Dujardin Dominates Maryland Cycling Classic in Baltimore Sprint

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – September 7, 2025 – Sandy Dujardin of France, riding for Team TotalEnergies, secured a commanding sprint victory at the Maryland Cycling Classic after an electrifying circuit race around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The win marks Dujardin’s second professional career win.

Dujardin outpaced Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X) and Marius Mayrhofer (Tudor Pro Cycling) in the final sprint, concluding a thrilling race that saw a small group of elite riders battling for the win. The victory came after Dujardin executed a flawless finale.

The race was characterized by a dramatic mid-race downpour that reshaped the contest. The initial stages saw Oscar Sevilla (Team Medellin) and Fabian Weiss (Tudor Pro Cycling) establish an early breakaway. However, a counter attack of eleven riders including Brandon mcnulty and Neilson Powless further reshaped the race. the downpour then provided the chance for a select group of riders.

The weather played a crucial role in splintering the peloton, as a group of seventeen elite riders weathered the chaos of Baltimore’s tight circuit. From there, the race boiled down to a strategic game of attrition and positioning. McNulty’s aggressive moves, including a final acceleration on the last climb with just over 10km remaining, ultimately set the stage for Dujardin’s decisive sprint.

Dujardin, showcasing remarkable patience and tactical acumen, remained glued to McNulty’s wheel before five riders rejoined the lead group.

“I am super proud of the win,” Dujardin said after the race. “We came all this way just to do the Maryland Cycling Classic so that’s a lot of travel for one day. We came with one goal to win so we are so happy. We had a lot of options with the riders we had left so we had lots of cards to play. we missed the first move but I was able to jump across on the climb. It was really tough because everyone had multiple riders in the break, but I was on my own so I had to cover everything on my own. Jonas [Abrahamsen] was the fastest guy so I knew I had to follow him. So when he went I jumped right on and I took it home.”

how did Dujardin’s strategic positioning contribute to his overall victory?

A Thrilling Finish in Baltimore-Annapolis

Sandy Dujardin etched his name into the history books of American cycling today, securing a hard-fought victory at the 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic presented by Outside. The race, renowned as America’s top pro cycling event, delivered a breathtaking finish in Baltimore, captivating fans and solidifying its place on the UCI ProSeries calendar. Dujardin’s win marks a significant moment in his career and a testament to his strategic prowess and physical endurance. This year’s Maryland Cycling Classic saw a particularly competitive field, drawing top riders from around the globe.

Race Recap: Key Moments and Strategies

The 2025 edition of the Maryland Cycling Classic unfolded as a tactical battle from the outset. The challenging course,spanning approximately 120 miles between Baltimore and Annapolis,featured rolling hills and demanding climbs,testing the limits of even the most seasoned professionals.

Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:

Early Breakaway Attempts: Several breakaway attempts were made in the initial kilometers, but the peloton consistently reeled them back in, demonstrating a collective desire to keep the race together for a sprint finish.

the Annapolis Loop: The Annapolis loop proved to be a crucial section, with increased pace and aggressive positioning as teams began to prepare for the final push.

Dujardin’s attack: with approximately 15 kilometers remaining, Dujardin launched a decisive attack, catching many riders off guard. His powerful surge created a gap that proved tough for his rivals to close.

Final sprint: Despite relentless chasing, Dujardin maintained his lead, crossing the finish line with a narrow margin, securing the coveted victory.

Analyzing dujardin’s Winning Performance

Dujardin’s success wasn’t solely based on a powerful sprint. His victory was a culmination of several factors:

Strategic Positioning: Throughout the race,Dujardin consistently maintained a strong position within the peloton,conserving energy and avoiding crashes.

Team Support: his team played a vital role, controlling the pace and shielding him from the wind, allowing him to focus on his attack.

Extraordinary fitness: Dujardin demonstrated remarkable endurance and power,particularly during the final climb and sprint.

Tactical awareness: His timing of the attack was impeccable, capitalizing on a moment of hesitation within the peloton.

This win elevates Dujardin’s standing in the UCI ProSeries rankings and positions him as a contender for future major cycling events.

The Maryland Cycling Classic: Growing Impact on US Cycling

The Maryland Cycling Classic has quickly become a cornerstone of the American cycling scene. Its impact extends beyond the race itself:

Boosting Local economy: The event attracts thousands of visitors to Maryland, generating significant revenue for local businesses.

Promoting Cycling Culture: The race inspires a new generation of cyclists and fosters a greater recognition for the sport.

Attracting International Talent: The Maryland Cycling Classic draws top riders from around the world, raising the profile of American cycling on the global stage.

Partnership with Outside: The recent cross-channel agreement with Outside, a leader in endurance content, will further amplify the race’s reach and engagement.

Key Riders to Watch in Future Races

While Dujardin took the top spot, several other riders showcased extraordinary performances:

Jonas Vingegaard: A strong contender throughout the race, Vingegaard finished within the top five, demonstrating his continued form.

Wout van Aert: Known for his versatility, van Aert was a constant threat, actively participating in breakaway attempts.

Matej Mohorič: A specialist in challenging terrain, Mohorič’s climbing ability made him a formidable opponent.

Neilson powless: The top-performing American rider, Powless showcased his potential and is one to watch in future editions.

Training Tips Inspired by Pro Cyclists

Want to improve your cycling performance? here are some tips inspired by the pros:

1. interval Training: Incorporate high-intensity intervals into your training routine to boost your power and endurance.
2. Strength Training: Focus on building strength in your legs, core, and upper body to improve your overall cycling efficiency.
3. Proper Nutrition: Fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
4. Recovery: Prioritize rest and recovery to allow your body to adapt to the demands of training.
5. Bike Fit: Ensure your bike is properly fitted to your body to maximize comfort and performance.

gear Spotlight: Equipment Used by the Pros

The pros rely on cutting-edge equipment to gain a competitive edge.Here’s a glimpse of the gear used at the Maryland Cycling Classic:

Lightweight Bikes: Carbon fiber frames and components are essential for minimizing weight and maximizing efficiency.

Aerodynamic Helmets: Streamlined helmets reduce wind resistance, improving speed and performance.

High-Performance Apparel: Technical fabrics wick away moisture and provide a agreeable fit.

Power Meters: These devices measure your power output, allowing you to track your progress and optimize your training.

* GPS Computers: GPS computers provide real-time data on speed, distance, and elevation, helping riders navigate the course