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Klimatiza Orbea Climb to a Commanding Andorra Epic Advantage

The Queen Stage of the 2025 Andorra Epic played to the climbing strengths of Marc Stutzmann and Sebastian Gesche.

Stage 3 of the 2025 Andorra Epic saw the general classification leaders in both the men’s and women’s categories solidify their positions with commanding performances on the Queen Stage.

In the UCI Women’s race, Rosa van Doorn and Janina Wüst of Buff Megamo delivered a dominant ride over the 63-kilometre route, increasing their overall lead to 13 minutes and 54 seconds over Efficient Safari Essence. After winning Stage 2 by over six minutes, the duo added another 11 minutes and 7 seconds on the high-altitude trails of Stage 3. Wüst praised the technical downhills and credited their pacing strategy for their success at elevation.

In the UCI Men’s race, Marc Stutzmann and Sebastian Gesche showed their climbing prowess early, gaining 1 minute and 45 seconds over their rivals. However, the technical descents allowed their competitors to close the gap. Jose Dias and Pablo Rodriguez Guede fought back strongly, limiting their losses to 59 seconds by the finish in La Massana, while Singer KTM Racing’s Simon Stiebjahn and Martin Frey closed in further, finishing just 8 seconds off the stage winners after a strong descent on the Beixalis Flow T-Section.

The Queen Stage featured 2,390 meters of climbing, starting at 1,500 meters above sea level in Canillo and ascending relentlessly through El Tarter, Vall d’Incies, Soldeu, and Cubil Lake to Tossa de Llosada—the highest point of the race. This climb proved decisive for both GC leaders. The route then plunged down the Mont Magic singletrack, looped through Canillo, and climbed again over the Coll de l’Estall before a final descent through Pal/Arinsal Bike Park.

Stutzmann acknowledged the difficulty of the stage, stating, “We expected it to be tough, and it certainly wasn’t easy for us or our rivals. We were strong on the climbs, and though we lost a bit of time on the descents, we focused on safety and consistency.”

Heading into the final day, Klimatiza Orbea leads the men’s GC by 1:13 over Buff Megamo, with Singer KTM at 2:45 in third. TRINITY Racing holds fourth, but only 40 seconds ahead of Riccardo Chiarini and Peeter Pruus in fifth.

In the women’s field, Buff Megamo is firmly in control. Despite their large deficit, Looser and Du Toit of Efficient Safari Essence remain motivated for a stage win, with Du Toit reflecting on the scenic yet grueling day: “The altitude hits hard, but the landscapes make it worth it.” Looser added optimism for the final stage, which features more technical descending.

Behind the top two women’s teams, 1VISION’s Antonia Daubermann and Naama Noyman hold third, followed by Fortress Real Estate Investment and Scott BTB Sport.

The final stage, taking place on Sunday, 6 July, is a 52-kilometre route starting from Naturland Adventure Park. The course climbs from the start to the Refugi Roca de Pimes at 2,140 meters before a long 20-kilometre descent down the Comabella trail. The day ends with a gradual 12-kilometre climb through La Valira valley, past Sant Julià de Lòria and into Andorra la Vella. This final ascent could prove decisive in the men’s race if Buff Megamo is able to distance Klimatiza Orbea on the technical descent.

To follow the final stage action as it unfolds, like the Andorra Epic Facebook page or follow @andorra_epic on Instagram. Daily highlights from the race can be viewed on the Epic Series YouTube Channel. To find out more, visit www.epic-series.com/andorra.

2025 Andorra Epic Results:

UCI Men Stage 3:

1. Klimatiza Orbea: Marc Stutzmann & Sebastian Gesche (2:57:45)

2. Singer KTM Racing: Simon Stiebjahn & Martin Frey (2:57:53 | +8)

3. Buff Megamo 2: Jose Dias & Pablo Rodriguez Guede (2:58:44 | +59)

4. Cannondale ISB Sport: Riccardo Chiarini & Peeter Pruus (3:02:57 | +5:12)

5. Cyclis - Van den Plas: Robin Ferket & Wout Janssen (3:03:27 | +5:42)

UCI Women Stage 3:

1. Buff Megamo: Rosa van Doorn & Janina Wüst (3:46:34)

2. Efficient Safari Essences: Vera Looser & Danielle du Toit (3:57:41 | +11:07)

3. 1VISION: Antonia Daubermann & Naama Noyman (4:01:27 | +14:53)

4. Fortress Real Estate Investment: Ila Stow & Laura Stark (4:20:02 | +33:31)