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
This year’s route totals 3,151 km over 21 stages, featuring five summit finishes, one team time trial (24.1 km), and one individual time trial (27.2 km). The mountain load in weeks two and three means the red jersey could still change hands late.
- 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 | 186.1 km | 🏙️ Flat | |
2 |
24 Aug | Alba – Limone Piemonte | 159.6 km | 🏙️ Flat · uphill finale |
First uphill finale
Flacher Anlauf, Zielanstieg entscheidet. Erste kleine GC-Lücken möglich. |
3 |
25 Aug | San Maurizio Canavese – Ceres | 134.6 km | 🟡 Medium mountains | |
4 |
26 Aug | Susa – Voiron | 206.7 km | 🟡 Medium mountains | |
5 |
27 Aug | Figueres – Figueres (TTT) | 24.1 km | ⏱️ Team TT | |
6 |
28 Aug | Olot – Pal (Andorra) | 170.3 km | ⛰️ Mountain | |
7 |
29 Aug | Andorra la Vella – Cerler | 188.0 km | ⛰️ Mountain | |
8 |
30 Aug | Monzón Templario – Zaragoza | 163.5 km | ⛰️ Mountain |
Unexpected classification
Offiziell als „Mountain“ gelistet, Profil begünstigt dennoch schnelle Fahrer. |
9 |
31 Aug | Alfaro – Valdezcaray | 195.5 km | 🟡 Hilly · uphill arrival |
Ski station finish
Hügelige Anfahrt, Ziel am Skigebiet Valdezcaray. Ausreißer oder GC-Sprint bergauf. |
| Rest Day — 1 Sep — Pamplona | |||||
10 |
2 Sep | Sendaviva – Larra Belagua (El Ferial) | 175.3 km | 🏙️ Flat · uphill finale | |
11 |
3 Sep | Bilbao – Bilbao | 157.4 km | 🟡 Medium mountains | |
12 |
4 Sep | Laredo – Los Corrales de Buelna | 144.9 km | 🟡 Medium mountains | |
13 |
5 Sep | Cabezón de la Sal – L’Angliru | 202.7 km | ⛰️ Mountain | |
14 |
6 Sep | Avilés – La Farrapona | 135.9 km | ⛰️ Mountain | |
15 |
7 Sep | A Veiga/Vegadeo – Monforte de Lemos | 167.8 km | 🟡 Medium mountains | |
| Rest Day — 8 Sep — Pontevedra | |||||
16 |
9 Sep | Poio – Mos (Castro de Herville) | 167.9 km | 🟡 Medium mountains | |
17 |
10 Sep | O Barco de Valdeorras – Alto de El Morredero | 143.2 km | 🟡 Medium mountains | |
18 |
11 Sep | Valladolid (ITT) | 27.2 km | ⏱️ ITT | |
19 |
12 Sep | Rueda – Guijuelo | 161.9 km | 🏙️ Flat | |
20 |
13 Sep | Robledo de Chavela – Bola del Mundo | 165.6 km | ⛰️ Mountain | |
21 |
14 Sep | Alalpardo – Madrid | 111.6 km | 🏙️ Flat | |
🏆 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, aiming for first Vuelta title |
| Juan Ayuso | UAE Team Emirates | Lead Spanish contender, strong GC prospect |
| João Almeida | UAE Team Emirates | Co-leader, time trial strength |
| Mikel Landa | Soudal Quick-Step | Experienced climber, aggressive in mountains |
| Richard Carapaz | EF Education–EasyPost | GC threat, former Giro champion |
| Ben O’Connor | BORA–hansgrohe | Tour de France podium 2024, confirmed starter |
🚴 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 will be shown live in multiple regions via official broadcast partners.
Main Broadcast Partners
- Europe: Eurosport (linear) and Max (streaming)
- Spain: RTVE / RTVE Play (free-to-air & streaming) and Eurosport
- USA: NBC Sports / Peacock
- Canada: FloSports / FloBikes
- Australia: SBS / SBS On Demand
- UK & Ireland: Eurosport (linear) and Max (streaming)
Online Streaming Platforms
Primary streaming options by region:
- Max (most of Europe)
- Peacock (USA)
- FloBikes (Canada)
- SBS On Demand (Australia)
- RTVE Play (Spain, free)
Geoblocking & Availability
Some services are geo-restricted. Availability and commentary languages vary by country. Check local listings for exact stage times.
📖 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 | Primož Roglič | BORA–hansgrohe |
| 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.