2025 Vuelta a España Season 16-21 Briefing

2025 Vuelta a España S16: The Veteran Returns, Bernal Back on Top

In Stage 16 of the 2025 Vuelta a España, within the first hour of racing, several riders launched attacks. Riders such as Landa and Bernal made multiple offensive moves. In the end, Bernal defeated Landa, claiming a Grand Tour stage victory for the first time in four years. Let’s review this exciting stage.

The stage covered 167.9 km with 4 categorized climbs and 1 sprint point. Compared with Stage 17, the climbs in this stage were shorter, and based on the upcoming route, this stage favored breakaway specialists.

During the first hour, the race remained relatively calm due to the flat terrain. As the peloton's control weakened, riders from Bahrain - Victorious, Arkéa - B&B Hotels, Lidl - Trek, and INEOS Grenadiers launched breakaway attempts. Later, 13 riders initiated a chase, while the general classification (GC) contenders in the peloton largely held back.

Team VISMA adopted a relatively conservative strategy. As the breakaway and chase groups reached the climbs, some riders in the chase group used their climbing abilities to further split the group.

This stage again saw demonstration spectators, prompting organizers to temporarily shorten the course. This meant the trio in the breakaway, if able to hold on, had a chance to rewrite history for themselves and their team. In the final short steep climb, Bernal surged ahead to beat Landa, claiming his first Grand Tour stage win since a crash in early 2022.

The peloton arrived much later. After the race, VINGEGAARD Jonas expressed regret regarding the protesters.

2025 Vuelta a España S17: Climbing to New Heights, GIULIO PELLIZZARI Exceeds Expectations

Stage 17 covered 143.2 km. From the start, GC teams allowed some riders to enjoy a breakaway until the foot of the Port of La Rada, where the real battle for the stage began.

Amid cheers from the Valdeos crowd, the race started. After about 30 km, the peloton's control waned, and 12 riders from various teams launched an attack. The peloton tried to maintain a manageable gap.

At the foot of the Port of La Rada, BORA took over from VISMA to launch a relentless chase. This mountain train not only dropped VISMA and UAE’s support riders but also shattered the front breakaway early. The race then entered a contest among six GC contenders. BORA’s leaders, GIULIO PELLIZZARI and Sindelli, targeted the stage win just like Tom Pidcock. Meanwhile, VINGEGAARD Jonas and ALMEIDA João focused on a mutual marketing strategy for the overall lead.

With 4 km to go, GIULIO PELLIZZARI launched a solo attack. No one paid attention at first, allowing him to quickly build a lead of over 30 seconds. He went on to solo to victory, earning his first Grand Tour stage win in his career.

2025 Vuelta a España S18: Average Speed 56 km/h+, GANNA Filippo Defends Short Time Trial Title

Stage 18 was an individual time trial (ITT) of 12.2 km on a fully closed course with a turnaround midway—a significant advantage for riders less skilled in time trials.

153 riders participated. Despite the rare full road closure, there were still some disruptions on the course.

When GANNA Filippo, starting 17th, reached the first timing point, he was 4 seconds behind. However, as the current flat time trial king hit his rhythm, he powered past the riders ahead and claimed the “hot seat” with a flawless 13-minute effort, holding it until the finish and proving his dominance in ITT events.

2025 Vuelta a España S19: Alpecin - Deceuninck Leads, PHILIPSEN Jasper Takes Third Win

Stage 19 covered 181.3 km in the low hills of northwestern Spain. With only one sprint point, the peloton was expected to reel in the breakaways and contest a final city sprint.

The stage started calmly. Just when it seemed the sprinters would decide the day, VINGEGAARD Jonas attacked, gaining 4 seconds and extending his GC lead to 44 seconds.

As the peloton caught the breakaways with 3 km remaining, GC teams eased off. INEOS Grenadiers and Movistar took turns at the front to maintain pace.

In the last kilometer, Alpecin - Deceuninck moved to the front. With a teammate launching PHILIPSEN Jasper into the final 200 meters, he powered through the toughest slope, executed the final sprint, and secured his second stage win under team protection.

2025 Vuelta a España S20: VISMA Triumph, VINGEGAARD Jonas and KUSS Sepp Take 1-2

Stage 20 spanned 185.8 km, a decisive day for GC contenders. The first riders over the top had a chance to clinch the overall title. The final 12 km featured a grueling climb showdown.

The hardest part was Nava Ceda (12.3 km, 8.6% avg gradient), with the final 3 km resembling a mountain fire road—steep and rough—an unavoidable challenge for GC contenders.

UAE launched a mountain train, reeling in breakaways. Jay Vine led ALMEIDA João for 3 km to catch all the breakaway riders. With 1.1 km to go, Tom Pidcock was struggling, ALMEIDA João showed signs of fatigue, and VISMA prepared a counterattack.

VINGEGAARD Jonas attacked first on the steep slope. No one could respond. He soloed away from the peloton, finishing 11 seconds ahead of the second place and securing the overall victory. KUSS Sepp completed the stage in second place.

2025 Vuelta a España Finale: Madrid Protests Cut Race Short, VINGEGAARD Jonas Wins

Stage 21 was a 116.1 km circuit race in Madrid. With all leader jerseys decided, the stage was largely ceremonial, concluding with a sprint on Paseo del Prado and the final GC presentation at Plaza de Cibeles.

As the peloton approached Madrid for the city circuit, the number of local protesters increased. After consultation with race organizers, the stage was ended early, and the award ceremony was canceled. Riders left the course with regrets.

Final classifications: VINGEGAARD Jonas won the red jersey, Mads PEDERSEN the green jersey, Jay Vine the polka dot jersey, and M. Riccitello the white jersey. Thus, the 2025 Vuelta a España concluded abruptly.

( Image Source: Vuelta a España Organizing Committee)