The Vuelta a España 2025 will once again bring the drama of steep climbs, thrilling sprints, and tactical battles to the roads of Spain. As one of cycling’s three Grand Tours alongside the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, the Vuelta promises a mix of breathtaking mountain stages and unpredictable weather, making it a race where heroes are made and legends are born.
🚴 Introduction & Background
The Vuelta a España is traditionally the last of the three Grand Tours in professional cycling, following the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. Known for its steep mountain finishes, unpredictable weather conditions, and late-season timing, it often serves as a stage for both established champions and rising talents to leave their mark on the cycling world.
The 2025 edition promises an exciting mix of classic climbs, challenging time trials, and scenic flat stages that will test every type of rider. With many of the sport’s biggest names expected to participate, the Vuelta remains one of the most demanding races on the calendar, often considered a preparation for the World Championships or even redemption for riders seeking to end the season on a high note.
🗺️ Stage‑by‑Stage Overview
The Vuelta a España 2025 runs from 23 August to 14 September and covers approximately 3,150 km over 21 stages. It begins in Italy, crosses France and Andorra, and finishes with the traditional sprint finale in Madrid. The route features two time trials, legendary summit finishes such as L’Angliru and Bola del Mundo, and sprint opportunities for the fast men of the peloton. Two rest days are scheduled for 1 September and 8 September.
- Stage 1: Torino → Novara
- Stage 2: Alba → Limone Piemonte
- Stage 3: San Maurizio → Ceres
- Stage 4: Susa → Voiron
- Stage 5: Figueres → Figueres (TTT)
- Stage 6: Olot → Pal (Andorra)
- Stage 7: Andorra la Vella → Cerler
- Stage 8: Monzón → Zaragoza
- Stage 9: Alfaro → Valdezcaray
- Stage 10: Sendaviva → Larra Belagua
- Stage 11: Bilbao → Bilbao
- Stage 12: Laredo → Los Corrales de Buelna
- Stage 13: Cabezón de la Sal → L’Angliru
- Stage 14: Avilés → La Farrapona
- Stage 15: Vegadeo → Monforte de Lemos
- Stage 16: Ourense → Puebla de Sanabria
- Stage 17: León → El Morredero
- Stage 18: Valladolid (ITT)
- Stage 19: Segovia → Ávila
- Stage 20: Ávila → Bola del Mundo
- Stage 21: Madrid Circuit
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
23 Aug | Torino → Novara | 183 km | 🏙️ Flat |
Sprinters’ opener
A fast flat stage to kick off the Vuelta, expected to end in a mass sprint. Wind conditions may create early tension and echelons if the peloton splits. |
|
2
|
24 Aug | Alba → Limone Piemonte | 157 km | 🟡 Hilly |
First summit finish
Puncheurs and GC riders get their first uphill test. Expect attacks on the final climb and possible early time gaps. |
|
3
|
25 Aug | San Maurizio → Ceres | 139 km | 🟡 Rolling |
Breakaway day
A hilly route with a final climb that favors opportunists. Breakaway specialists will see their chance to shine. |
|
4
|
26 Aug | Susa → Voiron | 192 km | 🟡 Hilly |
Alpine crossing
A scenic route into France with several medium climbs. Sprinters may struggle; expect a reduced bunch sprint or breakaway success. |
|
5
|
27 Aug | Figueres → Figueres (TTT) | 20 km | ⏱️ Team TT |
First GC gaps
A short but technical team time trial through Catalonia. Strong teams can gain early seconds on rivals. |
|
6
|
28 Aug | Olot → Pal (Andorra) | 170 km | ⛰️ Mountain |
First summit finish
A demanding mountain finish in Andorra, where pure climbers will look to test their legs and possibly take red. |
|
7
|
29 Aug | Andorra la Vella → Cerler | 187 km | ⛰️ Mountain |
Pyrenean challenge
A high-mountain day featuring multiple long climbs before the summit finish at Cerler ski station. GC fireworks likely. |
|
8
|
30 Aug | Monzón → Zaragoza | 158 km | 🏙️ Flat |
Sprint showdown
A flat day for the sprinters with potential crosswinds on exposed roads. Lead-out trains will dominate the finale. |
|
9
|
31 Aug | Alfaro → Valdezcaray | 195 km | 🟡 Hilly |
Ski station finish
A medium mountain stage with a ski station finish. A chance for breakaways or a GC battle if pace is high. |
|
10
|
2 Sep | Sendaviva → Larra Belagua | 168 km | 🟡 Hilly |
Mountain-top finish
Another summit arrival, testing GC contenders ahead of the first rest day. Riders with climbing form will aim to attack. |
|
11
|
3 Sep | Bilbao → Bilbao | 167 km | 🟡 Hilly |
Basque circuit
Technical city circuit with short climbs and tricky descents. Perfect for aggressive riders and local Basque specialists. |
|
12
|
4 Sep | Laredo → Los Corrales de Buelna | 143 km | 🟡 Hilly |
Breakaway friendly
A short but challenging stage with multiple climbs. A strong breakaway group has a high chance of success. |
|
13
|
5 Sep | Cabezón de la Sal → L’Angliru | 202 km | ⛰️ Mountain |
Iconic Angliru
One of the steepest climbs in cycling. Expect fireworks among GC contenders and possible race‑defining gaps. |
|
14
|
6 Sep | Avilés → La Farrapona | 135 km | ⛰️ Mountain |
Short & explosive
Despite its short length, this stage packs multiple climbs and ends with a summit finish at La Farrapona. |
|
15
|
7 Sep | Vegadeo → Monforte de Lemos | 167 km | 🟡 Hilly |
Breakaway opportunity
A transitional stage perfect for breakaway specialists, with undulating terrain all day. |
|
16
|
9 Sep | Ourense → Puebla de Sanabria | 163 km | 🟡 Hilly |
Technical descents
Rolling terrain with sharp descents and twisting roads – a test of bike handling as much as endurance. |
|
17
|
10 Sep | León → El Morredero | 148 km | ⛰️ Mountain |
GC showdown
A key summit finish where GC contenders will look to distance rivals. Time gaps could be significant. |
|
18
|
11 Sep | Valladolid (ITT) | 31 km | ⏱️ ITT |
Decisive time trial
A flat individual time trial that could shuffle the GC standings. Specialists will look to gain minutes here. |
|
19
|
12 Sep | Segovia → Ávila | 142 km | 🟡 Hilly |
Historic finish
A stage ending in Ávila’s historic walls, offering punchy climbs and a technical finale well‑suited to classics specialists. |
|
20
|
13 Sep | Ávila → Bola del Mundo | 172 km | ⛰️ Mountain |
Legendary climb
The penultimate stage finishes on the fearsome Bola del Mundo climb – the last chance for climbers to change the GC. |
|
21
|
14 Sep | Madrid Circuit | 95 km | 🏙️ Flat |
Final sprint
The traditional Madrid city circuit closes the Vuelta with a high‑speed sprinters’ showdown and the final podium ceremony. |
🏆 Key Riders & Favorites
General Classification (GC) Contenders
The absence of Tadej Pogačar—who officially withdrew to prioritize recovery after the Tour de France—reshapes the GC equation. UAE Team Emirates will now be led by Juan Ayuso and João Almeida, both considered potential overall contenders, especially Ayuso racing on home roads in Spain.
The top favourite is undoubtedly Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), who finished second at the Tour de France and is riding in peak form without Pogacar in the field.
Other GC riders to watch include:
- Mikel Landa (Soudal Quick‑Step) – experienced climber returning from a Giro injury, expected to target summit finishes.
- Richard Carapaz (EF Education–EasyPost) – a Grand Tour winner who can exploit mountain stages and time trials.
- Enric Mas (Movistar Team) – consistent top‑10 Grand Tour finisher, still in form this season.
| Rider | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jonas Vingegaard | Visma | Lease a Bike | Top favourite, strong after Tour |
| Juan Ayuso | UAE Team Emirates | Lead Spanish contender |
| João Almeida | UAE Team Emirates | Co-leader, recovering from crash |
| Mikel Landa | Soudal Quick-Step | Climbing specialist |
| Richard Carapaz | EF Education–EasyPost | GC threat in mountains |
🚴 Teams and Riders to Watch
Sprinters & Points Classification Favorites
The Vuelta is traditionally climber-heavy, but this edition features several flat or rolling sprint stages that bring pure sprinters into contention for the green points jersey. Leading the charge is Fabio Jakobsen (Team DSM–Firmenich PostNL), looking for redemption after a difficult Tour. Another strong contender is Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny), one of the rising sprint stars, already a multi‑time winner in 2025.
Veteran Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) and Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike) are expected to be frequent challengers in high-speed finishes.
| Rider | Team | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Fabio Jakobsen | Team DSM–Firmenich PostNL | Top sprinter, green jersey focus |
| Arnaud De Lie | Lotto Dstny | All-round sprinter, strong classics rider |
| Sam Bennett | Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale | Experienced sprinter, opportunistic |
| Olav Kooij | Visma | Lease a Bike | Fast finisher, developing star |
Climbers & Mountains Classification
The King of the Mountains (polka-dot jersey) often rewards aggressive climbers who hunt breakaways on high mountain days. Romain Bardet (DSM–Firmenich PostNL) and Richard Carapaz (EF Education–EasyPost) are prime candidates, both experienced in mountain breakaways and summit finishes.
Spanish climber Pelayo Sánchez (Movistar Team) has shown strong form in 2025 and is seen as a dark horse for the mountains classification.
| Rider | Team | Climbing Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Romain Bardet | DSM–Firmenich PostNL | Stage hunter, KOM contender |
| Richard Carapaz | EF Education–EasyPost | Former Grand Tour winner, breakaway specialist |
| Pelayo Sánchez | Movistar Team | Young Spanish climber, aggressive racing style |
Young Riders & Dark Horses
The white jersey is not awarded at the Vuelta, but young riders still compete for recognition. Antonio Morgado (UAE Team Emirates) and Cian Uijtdebroeks (BORA‑hansgrohe) are among the most promising under‑23 riders this year. Dark horse candidates include Sergio Higuita (BORA‑hansgrohe) and Oscar Onley (DSM–Firmenich PostNL), both of whom excel on medium mountain terrain and could take unexpected stage wins.
Teams with Tactical Strength
Several teams bring exceptionally deep rosters:
- Visma | Lease a Bike: With Jonas Vingegaard aiming for GC and Olav Kooij for sprints, this is arguably the strongest all-round team.
- UAE Team Emirates: Double leadership (Ayuso & Almeida) provides GC depth and aggressive climbing support.
- Movistar Team: Home support and multiple climbers (Enric Mas, Pelayo Sánchez) make them dangerous in breakaways and GC support roles.
- EF Education–EasyPost: Carapaz leads a team designed for stage hunting and KOM points.
⛰️ Route Profile & Key Climbs
The 2025 Vuelta a España features one of the most demanding routes in recent years, combining flat sprint stages, medium-mountain breakaway opportunities, and multiple high-altitude summit finishes. Riders will tackle a diverse mix of terrain, from the rolling hills of northern Spain to the brutally steep ramps of iconic climbs.
Overall Route Profile
The race begins in northern Italy before transitioning quickly to Spain, where it traverses the Pyrenees, central mountains, and ultimately the highlands around Madrid. With five summit finishes and over 45 categorized climbs, climbers and all-rounders will find opportunities to attack daily.
Official route profile © La Vuelta – Click to view interactive map
Key Climbs of the 2025 Vuelta
- Alto de l’Angliru: One of the steepest climbs in professional cycling (13.1 km at 9.4% average), expected to be a decisive GC battleground.
- Bola del Mundo: The penultimate stage finish at 2,247 m elevation, featuring brutal gradients over the final 6 km.
- La Farrapona: A relentless climb with consistent 8% gradients, often favoring pure climbers and breakaway specialists.
- Cerler Ski Station: A Pyrenean summit finish with long, grinding gradients that suit strong all‑rounders.
- Larra‑Belagua: A high‑altitude finish combining distance and sustained climbing, another potential GC shake‑up point.
Route Difficulty Overview
This year’s route totals 3,250 km over 21 stages, featuring five summit finishes, one team time trial, and one individual time trial. The distribution of mountain stages in the second and third weeks means the red jersey could change hands multiple times before the final podium ceremony in Madrid.
📺 TV Coverage & Streaming
The 2025 Vuelta a España enjoys extensive broadcast coverage, ensuring fans around the world can follow every stage live. Coverage includes traditional TV channels as well as online streaming options for mobile and desktop viewers.
Main Broadcast Partners
- Eurosport – Pan-European live coverage of all stages, available on Eurosport 1 & 2.
- GCN+ – Global Cycling Network streaming (subscription required), offering live broadcasts and on-demand replays.
- RTVE (Spain) – Free-to-air national coverage within Spain.
- NBC Sports (USA) – Select stages and highlights for U.S. audiences.
- SBS (Australia) – Daily live coverage and highlights package.
Online Streaming Platforms
In addition to TV partners, cycling fans can watch every stage via online platforms:
- Eurosport Player – Full HD streams with commentary in multiple languages.
- GCN+ – International streaming with stage previews, expert analysis, and highlights.
- RTVE Play – Free streaming for Spanish viewers.
Geoblocking & VPN Usage
Some streams may be geo-restricted. Fans outside official broadcast regions often rely on VPN solutions to access streams legally in their region. Ensure compliance with local streaming regulations when using such services.
📖 Vuelta History & Records
The Vuelta a España is one of cycling’s three Grand Tours, alongside the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. First held in 1935, it has evolved from a modest Spanish stage race into one of the most prestigious and challenging events on the global cycling calendar. Known for its steep climbs, unpredictable weather, and passionate crowds, the Vuelta is often the stage where new talents emerge and seasoned champions test their limits.
Notable Records
- Most Overall Wins: Roberto Heras (Spain) – 4 titles (2000, 2003, 2004, 2005)
- Most Stage Wins: Delio Rodríguez (Spain) – 39 stage victories
- Youngest Winner: Angelino Soler (Spain) – 21 years old (1961)
- Oldest Winner: Chris Horner (USA) – 41 years old (2013)
- Fastest Edition: 2001 (Average speed 42.534 km/h)
Recent Winners
| Year | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sepp Kuss | Jumbo-Visma |
| 2023 | Sepp Kuss | Jumbo-Visma |
| 2022 | Remco Evenepoel | Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl |
| 2021 | Primož Roglič | Jumbo-Visma |
| 2020 | Primož Roglič | Jumbo-Visma |
The Vuelta has a history of being a race of surprises: late-season form peaks, opportunistic breakaways, and memorable comebacks. Many riders target it specifically as a chance to redeem their seasons or prepare for World Championships.
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the 2025 Vuelta a España take place?
A: The race runs from 23 August to 14 September 2025, covering 21 stages across Italy and Spain.
Q: Where does the race start and finish?
A: The 2025 edition starts in Turin, Italy and concludes in Madrid, Spain, with the traditional final sprint stage.
Q: How can I watch the race live?
A: The race will be broadcast on Eurosport, GCN+, RTVE (Spain), NBC Sports (USA) and several other partners. Online streams are available via Eurosport Player and GCN+.
Q: How long is the 2025 Vuelta route?
A: The total distance is approximately 3,250 km, featuring five summit finishes, one team time trial, and one individual time trial.
Q: Which riders are considered favorites for 2025?
A: Key contenders include Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike), Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates), Mikel Landa (Soudal Quick-Step), and Richard Carapaz (EF Education–EasyPost).
Q: How many teams participate in the Vuelta?
A: There are 22 teams (18 UCI WorldTeams and 4 ProTeams) competing, each with up to 8 riders.
Q: Is the Vuelta harder than the Tour de France?
A: Both are challenging, but the Vuelta is known for its steeper gradients and late-season scheduling, which can make it harder for riders recovering from earlier races.
📝 Conclusion
The 2025 Vuelta a España promises to deliver three weeks of thrilling racing across two countries, from the historic streets of Turin to the iconic finish in Madrid. With five summit finishes, a balanced route, and a mix of top favorites and emerging talents, fans can expect unpredictable stages and dramatic GC battles.
Whether you follow every kilometer live on TV, stream online, or track stage results after work, this year’s Vuelta has something for every cycling enthusiast. From the steep gradients of the Angliru to the high altitude of the Bola del Mundo, the route ensures no dull moments.
We will update this article regularly as the race unfolds – including stage results, jersey standings, and key highlights. Make sure to bookmark this page and check back for daily coverage.