The memories of the incredible domination of Tadej Pogacar on the roads of the Tour de France are not yet completely dissipated, but it is already time to turn to a new big tour. This Saturday, the 80th edition of the Vuelta begins in Turin, Italy, before a final arrival scheduled for Madrid on September 14. Jonas Vingegaard, beaten on the big loop, will try to bring back the red jersey of the general classification.
A course still dantesque
The Danes of the Visma-Lease A Bike, however, will have to work to achieve this. As always, the journey of this 2025 Spanish Tour is particularly difficult, with a lot of elevation on the program. It will start from the 2nd stage, with an arrival at the top of a coast of 9.9 km at 5.1 % average. The first real mountain stage will have placed during the 6th day, with two 1st category climbs on the program.
The menu will continue to bite over the days, with several arrivals at the top, especially during the 7th, 9th, 10th and 13th stages. The latter is considered the queen stage, with the rise to the Angliru alto and its 12.4 km at 9.8 % on average. The penultimate stage will not be much simpler, with very steep slopes again.
Two time trials are planned on the program. The first will take place during the 5th stage and will be disputed as a team. The second, individual, will be at the end of Vuelta, during the 18th stage, around Valladolid.
Vingegaard and Almeida Grands Favorites
Largely beaten during the first time of the Tour de France, Jonas Vingegaard must have solved his problems on the individual effort if he wants to hope to aim for the final victory. Leader of a Visma-Lease A Bike team still very solid, notably with Matteo Jorgenson and Sepp Kuss, also present in France, the Danish is still part of the immense favorites.
On the UAE-Emirates side, no Tadej Pogacar, which ultimately did not try the hat-trick this year after winning in Italy and France. João Almeida and Juan Ayuso will share the leader’s chair, while waiting for the difference to the pedal. Marc Soler and Jay Vine will support them in the mountains.
Among the climbers, we also note the presence of Ben O’Connor (Jayco-Alula) and Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek), impressive this summer and winner of the Clasica San Sebastian. Felix Gall (Decathlon-Ag2r) and Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain-Victorious) undoubtedly leave a little further to target the podium in Madrid.
20 French at the start
This will also be the case of David Gaudu and Guillaume Martin, who will be the Coleaders of the Groupama-FDJ team who has seven French people in his ranks. Rudy Molard and Rémi Cavagna will play this Tour of Spain as well. At Décathlon-AG2R, Nans Peters and Bruno Armirail will notably be present.
The Cofidis team has bet on Bryan Coquard, unhappy on the big loop. After being at the origin of the fall of Jasper Philipsen, the sprinter had been forced to abandon because of a broken finger trying to catch a musette. Conversely, Valentin Paret-Peintre had been one of the rare lightened in the tricolor greyness by winning at Mont Ventoux. He will be at the start with Soudal-Quick Step.
Finally, we note the presence of Axel Zingle (Visma-Lease A Bike), Julien Bernard (Lidl-Trek) or Victor Guernalec, Louis Rouland, Pierre Thierry and Léandre Lozouet (Arkéa-B & B Hotels).
Key Contenders and Stage highlights: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Vuelta a España
The 80th edition of the Vuelta a España promises a thrilling spectacle of cycling, with challenging climbs and strategic time trials. As the cycling world turns its attention from the Tour de France, the vuelta offers a fresh opportunity for riders to showcase their talents and battle for the coveted red jersey. This year’s route,beginning in Turin,Italy,and culminating in Madrid,is a challenging test of endurance and tactical prowess. Leading cycling experts like myself are already predicting an enthralling race.
Key Contenders and Their Prospects
Jonas Vingegaard, despite his recent performance in the Tour de France, remains one of the top contenders. His strength and tactical acumen, combined with a strong Visma-Lease a Bike team, make him a formidable force. However,João Almeida and Juan Ayuso from UAE Team Emirates are expected to be fierce rivals,aiming to capitalize on any weaknesses. The absence of Tadej Pogačar opens the door for new champions to emerge. Other names to watch include Ben O’Connor, Giulio Ciccone, Felix Gall, and Santiago buitrago, all eager to claim a podium spot. David Gaudu and Guillaume Martin will be leading the charge of French contenders.
Stage-by-Stage Analysis: A Challenging Course
The Vuelta a España is renowned for its demanding course, and the 2025 edition is set to continue this tradition. The route features a series of demanding climbs and challenging time trials, favoring riders with both climbing and time-trialing abilities. The race starts with a testing opening, including a summit finish on the 2nd stage. Several crucial mountain stages, with multiple first-category climbs, will test the riders’ endurance, particularly during the 6th stage. Notably, Stage 13, the Queen stage, features the ascent of the Angliru, famed for its steep gradients. The penultimate stage, with its unforgiving slopes, will further challenge the riders before the final individual time trial in Valladolid.
2025 Vuelta Data Snapshot
To provide a comprehensive overview, here’s a concise table summarizing key aspects of this year’s race:
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Start date | August 23, 2025 |
| Finish Date | September 14, 2025 |
| Start Location | Turin, Italy |
| Finish Location | madrid, spain |
| Total stages | 21 |
| Key Climbs | Angliru (Stage 13), Multiple First-Category Climbs |
| Time Trials | 2 (1 Team, 1 Individual) |
| Notable Contenders | jonas Vingegaard, João Almeida, Juan Ayuso, Ben O’Connor |
Note: All of thes facts are strictly based on what has been provided in the initial article.
SEO-Amiable FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Vuelta a España, designed to provide clarity and enhance your understanding of this prestigious cycling event.
what is the Vuelta a España?
The Vuelta a España, or simply ‘La Vuelta’, is one of cycling’s three grand tours, alongside the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. It’s a multi-stage race held annually,typically in late summer,covering several weeks and thousands of kilometers.
When and where does the 2025 Vuelta a España take place?
The 2025 Vuelta will start in Turin,Italy,on August 23rd,2025,and conclude in Madrid,Spain,on September 14th,2025.
Who are the main contenders for the 2025 Vuelta a españa?
Leading contenders include Jonas Vingegaard,João Almeida,Juan Ayuso,and other highly skilled climbers. The absence of Tadej Pogačar perhaps opens the door for new champions.
What are the key stages to watch in this year’s Vuelta?
Key stages include those with summit finishes, especially the Angliru on Stage 13, known for its steep gradients. The penultimate stage will also present a meaningful challenge.
How does the Vuelta a España differ from the Tour de France?
While both are grand tours, the Vuelta typically has a more challenging course with steeper climbs and more varied terrain. It often offers a different dynamic, with new contenders stepping up.
Where can I watch the Vuelta a españa?
Coverage varies by region, but the Vuelta is usually broadcast on major sports channels. Check your local listings for availability. You might also stream the race live on services like Peacock or similar subscriptions.
This comprehensive overview and FAQ section are designed to give you a complete understanding of the 2025 Vuelta a España. Tune in to witness the drama and excitement of this prestigious event!
