Watersley Challenge

{{Short description|Dutch junior cycling race}}

{{Infobox cycling race

| name = Watersley Ladies Challenge

| current_event =

| image = 2020 Watersley Ladies Challenge U19 Marith Vanhove.jpg

| image_caption = Marith Vanhove, winner of the 2020 edition

| date = August / September

| region = Sittard, Limburg, Netherlands

| english =

| localnames =

| nickname =

| discipline = Road

| competition = UCI Junior Nations' Cup

| type = Stage race

| organiser =

| director =

| first = {{start date|2018}}

| number = 6 (as of 2024)

| final =

| firstwinner = {{flagathlete|Pfeiffer Georgi|GBR}}

| mostwins =

| mostrecent = {{flagathlete|Paula Ostiz|SPA}}

}}

The Watersley Ladies Challenge is a women's junior road cycling stage race held around the estate of {{ill|Huis Watersley|nl}} in the Dutch province of Limburg. First held in 2018, the race is part of the UCI Junior Nations' Cup, meaning the competitors ride as part of national teams.{{cite web |title=Watersley Ladies Challenge - UCI |url=https://www.uci.org/competition-details/2025/ROA/75210 |website=Union Cycliste Internationale |access-date=24 May 2025}}

The race is typically organized as three stages: a criterium stage, an individual time trial, and a "queen stage" with difficult climbing.{{cite web |title=A first in women's cycling at Watersley! |url=https://sportsandtalentpark-watersley.com/a-first-in-womens-cycling-at-watersley/ |website=sportsandtalentpark-watersley.com |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=1 October 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Mitchell |first1=Matthew |title=Learning as a team in Watersley Womens Challenge |url=https://procyclinguk.com/learning-as-a-team-in-watersley-womens-challenge/ |website=procyclinguk.com |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=6 September 2021}} The race is considered one of the most prestigious on the junior calendar, noted for its challenging course and high level of competition.{{cite web |last1=Mitchell |first1=Matthew |title=Paula Ostiz set to join Movistar Team in 2025 after standout junior season |url=https://procyclinguk.com/paula-ostiz-set-to-join-movistar-team-in-2025-after-standout-junior-season/ |website=procyclinguk.com |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=13 September 2024 |quote=including victory in the overall classification of the Watersley Challenge, one of the most prestigious stage races on the junior calendar}}{{cite web |title=Team announced for Watersley Ladies Challenge |url=https://www.cyclingireland.ie/news-item/cycling-ireland-junior-womens-national-team-heads-to-watersley-ladies-challenge-2024/ |website=cyclingireland.ie |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=24 August 2024 |quote=The Watersley Ladies Challenge, scheduled to take place from 30th August-1st September at the Sports and Talent Park in Watersley, the Netherlands, is renowned for its challenging courses and high level of competition.}}{{cite web |last1=Tyson |first1=Jackie |title=Ava Holmgren swaps 'every woman for herself' junior racing for balance in WorldTour |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/ava-holmgren-swaps-every-woman-for-herself-junior-racing-for-balance-in-worldtour/ |website=cyclingnews.com |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=21 December 2024 |quote=Yes, she competes on the road, too, and had a fourth on GC and the youth classification title at the prestigious Watersley Ladies Challenge in 2022.}}

In 2021, the Watersley Women's Challenge was created by the same organizers for female riders under 23. At the time, it was the only U23 women's race on the UCI calendar.{{cite web |last1=Frattini |first1=Kirsten |title=It's time for a U23 women's category at the UCI Road World Championships |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/its-time-for-a-u23-womens-category-at-the-uci-road-world-championships/ |website=cyclingnews.com |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=14 September 2023}} Following the 2023 edition, the race was cancelled, citing financial difficulties and "a struggle to attract entries".{{cite web |last1=Mitchell |first1=Matthew |title=Watersley Ladies Challenge U23 Race Cancelled for 2024 and Future |url=https://procyclinguk.com/watersley-ladies-challenge-u23-race-cancelled-for-2024-and-future/ |website=procyclinguk.com |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=27 June 2024}}

In 2022, the Watersley Junior Challenge was created for male junior riders, following a similar three-stage format. It was classified as part of the UCI Junior Nations' Cup.{{cite web |title=Junior Challenge 2. Nationscup |url=https://sportsandtalentpark-watersley.com/events/junior-challenge-2-nationscup/ |website=sportsandtalentpark-watersley.com |access-date=24 May 2025}} In 2024, the race was cancelled due to lack of participation.{{cite web |title=Le Watersley Junior Challenge annulé |url=https://www.directvelo.com/actualite/114240/le-watersley-junior-challenge-annule |website=directvelo.com |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=12 June 2024 |language=fr}}