The Vuelta a España's purpose revolves around competitive long-distance cycling, where athletes race across Spanish terrain.
The 2025 Vuelta a España: A Tough Introduction to Three-Week Racing
The Grand Départ for the 2025 Vuelta a España will take place in Turin, Italy, marking the first time the race starts in this historic city before traversing France, Andorra, and Spain over three weeks[1][2][4][5]. The race begins on August 23, 2025, and covers a grueling 3,100 kilometers in 21 stages, culminating in Madrid[1][2].
This year's Vuelta is shaping up to be a challenging introduction to three-week racing for many riders, as it features 12 stages with over 3,000 meters of climbing, a feat that the Tour de France has only achieved once this century, and the Giro d'Italia hasn't at all[3].
The race's start list seems to be filled with a certain kind of rider, making it feel more like Itzulia Basque Country than the usual mix of a Grand Tour. The Vuelta is trying to stand out and offer a different product to that of the Giro and the Tour. In fact, the Vuelta a Espana is not sending certain star riders due to its lower prestige compared to the Tour and the Giro[9].
One of the notable participants in this year's Vuelta is Jonas Vingegaard, who is competing in the race as a final opportunity to save his season or as a second attempt after the Tour[8]. Mads Pedersen, Ethan Vernon, and Bryan Coquard are also participating, but they are not the A-list sprinters typically found at the UAE Tour or the Tour de France[6].
The race profile is unrelenting, with a summit finish on the second day and nine more to follow[7]. There might be as few as two bunch sprints at this year's Vuelta, depending on how the stages are raced[4]. The absence of Tadej Pogacar might lead to a more open fight for the red jersey, unless Jonas Vingegaard dominates[5].
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[1] Vuelta a España Grand Départ to take place in Turin, Italy
[2] 2025 Vuelta a España route announced
[3] Vuelta a España to feature 12 stages with over 3,000 metres of climbing
[4] Fewer bunch sprints expected in 2025 Vuelta a España
[5] Absence of Pogacar could lead to open fight for red jersey in 2025 Vuelta a España
[6] Mads Pedersen, Ethan Vernon, and Bryan Coquard to compete in 2025 Vuelta a España
[7] 2025 Vuelta a España to feature nine summit finishes
[8] Jonas Vingegaard to compete in 2025 Vuelta a España
[9] Vuelta a España not sending certain star riders
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