Lidl-Trek's Mads Pedersen to take the helm at the Vuelta a Espana 2025, while Ben O'Connor returns to race for Jayco AlUla.
The Vuelta a España 2025 is set to begin on August 23, with 18 WorldTour teams and five ProTeams participating. Here's a look at some of the notable squads and their riders.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG
João Almeida and Juan Ayuso will lead UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the Vuelta a España. Almeida, a two-time stage winner at last year's Vuelta a España for Movistar, is the primary general classification (GC) leader, while Ayuso brings his impressive climbing capabilities as a co-leader. The team aims for a strong GC presence, with Mikkel Bjerg, Felix Großschartner, Domen Novak, Ivo Oliveira, Marc Soler, and Jay Vine providing a balanced team for varied race profiles.
Visma-Lease a Bike
Considered the top favourite to win, Visma-Lease a Bike relies on Jonas Vingegaard, a two-time Tour de France winner. Sepp Kuss and Matteo Jorgenson serve as mountain lieutenants, while strong riders like Victor Campenaerts, Wilco Kelderman, and Dylan Van Baarle are expected to excel in flat stages. The team aims to control the race and secure a grand tour victory again, despite leaving Wout van Aert at home.
Movistar Team
Movistar Team has shifted away from GC ambitions after the withdrawal of Enric Mas due to thrombophlebitis. Instead, they focus on stage wins and breakaway presence, leveraging their strong lineup for aggressive tactics.
Other Notable Riders
- Ben O’Connor (Jayco AlUla) is an experienced stage hunter and former race leader.
- Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) is in strong form and capable in punchy finishes and mountain stages.
Objectives
- UAE Team Emirates-XRG targets overall GC contention with Almeida and Ayuso, aiming to challenge the favourites.
- Visma-Lease a Bike looks to maintain control and secure the overall victory with Vingegaard.
- Movistar intends to animate races and go for stage victories amid the absence of a GC contender.
- Individual riders like Ciccone and O’Connor focus on stage wins and potential late-race moves.
The teams' sizes remain consistently eight riders, with tactical roles assigned around the leaders’ strengths, balancing mountain support, all-rounders, and time-trialists for the race’s diverse demands.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Vuelta a España unfolds!
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