The final Grand Tour of the season kicks off on Saturday, August 23, with the Vuelta a España, marking the last opportunity in 2025 for cyclists to claim victory in one of the sport’s most prestigious three-week races. The competition will unfold across the challenging Spanish climbs, with the legendary Angliru serving as a key highlight. This year, the race begins in Italy, adding an international flair to the event.
Notably absent from the starting line are previous stalwarts Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar, opening the field for a new champion to emerge. The stage is set for a fierce battle between UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike, who have already clashed at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. Jonas Vingegaard leads the charge for Visma-Lease a Bike, while João Almeida and Juan Ayuso represent the formidable duo from UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
Key Contenders for the Red Jersey
Jonas Vingegaard: The Main Favorite
Jonas Vingegaard enters the Vuelta a España as the leading contender for the red jersey. After securing second place at the Tour de France, Vingegaard aims to capture his first Grand Tour victory in two years. With no Tadej Pogačar in the mix, Vingegaard stands as the strongest climber on paper, supported by a robust Visma-Lease a Bike team.
This will be Vingegaard’s third appearance at the Vuelta, having debuted in 2020 and finished as runner-up in 2023. Despite limited racing since the Tour, his past performances suggest he can deliver top-level results in consecutive Grand Tours.
João Almeida: A Veteran with Potential
At 27, João Almeida is a seasoned competitor for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Returning for his fourth Vuelta, Almeida seeks to add a Grand Tour victory to his impressive record. His past performances include wearing the pink jersey at the Giro d’Italia for over two weeks and multiple top-10 finishes in the Vuelta.
“The recovery from the Tour crash has been smooth and my sensations in training have been improving. We have a strong group around us, and I believe we can fight for something big,” Almeida stated in July.
Juan Ayuso: The Young Spanish Hope
Juan Ayuso, at just 22, is set to make his mark at his home Grand Tour. Despite recent setbacks, including a knee injury and bee sting at the Giro, Ayuso has shown promise with a podium finish in 2022 and a fourth-place finish in 2023. His youth and home advantage could propel him to challenge for overall victory.
Veteran Riders and Emerging Stars
Richard Carapaz: The Olympic Champion
Richard Carapaz, an Olympic champion and seasoned Grand Tour competitor, aims to add another GC title to his name. With past victories at the Giro d’Italia and strong performances at the Vuelta, Carapaz is a formidable contender. His recent third-place finish at the Giro showcases his enduring talent.
Giulio Ciccone: An Italian on the Rise
Giulio Ciccone enters the Vuelta in excellent form, having recently won a stage at the Vuelta a Burgos and the Clásica San Sebastián. Despite past challenges at the Giro, Ciccone’s climbing prowess positions him as a strong contender for a top GC finish.
Derek Gee: A Canadian Breakthrough
Canadian Derek Gee makes his Vuelta debut with high expectations following a breakthrough performance at the Giro. With consistent top-10 finishes and a fourth-place overall, Gee is poised to make a significant impact in the GC.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Vuelta a España presents a grueling test with racing across four countries, a team time trial, and five major mountain stages. Scorching temperatures and typical Vuelta-style finishes add to the challenge, making it a fitting conclusion to the Grand Tour season.
As the race unfolds, the absence of Roglič and Pogačar opens opportunities for riders like Egan Bernal, Jai Hindley, and Antonio Tiberi to shine. Each brings unique strengths and challenges, from Bernal’s recovery journey to Hindley’s climbing expertise and Tiberi’s time-trialing skills.
The Road Ahead
With the Vuelta a España set to captivate cycling fans worldwide, all eyes will be on the contenders as they navigate the demanding course. The absence of past champions paves the way for a new victor to emerge, setting the stage for a thrilling race to Madrid.
Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the Vuelta a España 2025, as our team of journalists brings you the latest news, analysis, and insights from every stage of this prestigious Grand Tour.
