The 2025 Vuelta a España promises to be one of the most electrifying editions of recent years, thanks to a challenging and strategically designed route that has already captured the attention of cycling stars, including Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian phenom, known for his climbing prowess and all-around abilities, is reportedly intrigued by the race’s blend of punishing ascents and a pivotal individual time trial (ITT) in the third week.
This year’s route masterfully combines the essence of the Vuelta—steep mountain stages—with a modern twist, ensuring suspense and drama throughout. Key features include the legendary Alto de l’Angliru, the return of the Bola del Mundo, and an ITT that could tip the scales in the race’s final days.
A Climber’s Paradise: Angliru and Bola del Mundo
The 2025 Vuelta organizers have once again embraced the iconic climbs that define the race’s brutal reputation. The Alto de l’Angliru, widely regarded as one of the toughest ascents in professional cycling, will feature in Stage 17. With gradients exceeding 20% in sections, the Angliru is a test of pure power and resilience. Its inclusion ensures that no general classification (GC) battle will be settled until riders survive this merciless climb.
Not to be outdone, the Bola del Mundo returns to the Vuelta after nearly a decade. Known for its unrelenting slopes and gravel-strewn final kilometers, this climb will close out Stage 20, making it a likely GC battleground before Madrid’s ceremonial finale. The Bola del Mundo has a storied history of deciding Vuelta champions, and its inclusion adds an air of unpredictability to this year’s race.
These two ascents alone would be enough to draw climbing specialists to the Vuelta, but the route designers have ensured that nearly every week features summit finishes and mountain drama. Riders like Pogačar, Primož Roglič, and Jonas Vingegaard—renowned for their uphill capabilities—are expected to relish the opportunity to showcase their strengths.
The Third-Week ITT: A Game-Changer
In a departure from tradition, the Vuelta’s third week includes a 35-kilometer individual time trial, strategically placed between two grueling mountain stages. The ITT will serve as a pivotal moment for GC contenders, offering time trialists a chance to claw back seconds—or minutes—lost in the mountains. For a versatile rider like Pogačar, who excels in both climbing and time trials, this stage could be a decisive advantage.
The course for the ITT promises to be varied, combining flat stretches with a rolling profile that demands a mix of power and tactical acumen. The placement of the ITT in the final week adds an extra layer of intrigue, forcing riders to balance their efforts across the mountainous terrain and the clock.
A Route Tailored for Pogačar
Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France champion and perennial contender in every race he enters, has expressed interest in the Vuelta route. His ability to dominate on steep climbs and his strong time trial capabilities make him a natural fit for this year’s course. While the Slovenian star has previously excelled at the Tour and other major races, the 2025 Vuelta presents a unique challenge that could further cement his legacy.
The combination of iconic climbs and a well-timed ITT aligns perfectly with Pogačar’s skill set. Furthermore, the Vuelta’s reputation for unpredictable racing could play into his aggressive style, allowing him to capitalize on opportunities to attack and gain time on his rivals.
Unpredictable Racing Awaits
Beyond Pogačar, the 2025 Vuelta route is designed to attract a star-studded field. Riders like Remco Evenepoel, the 2022 Vuelta champion, and Jai Hindley, a Giro d’Italia winner, are expected to line up for the Spanish Grand Tour. With its diverse terrain, the race will demand not only physical strength but also tactical brilliance.
The inclusion of challenging summit finishes, fast-paced flat stages, and the climactic ITT ensures that fans will be treated to three weeks of high-stakes racing. The 2025 Vuelta a España is shaping up to be a spectacle that cycling enthusiasts won’t want to miss, and Tadej Pogačar’s potential participation only heightens the excitement.
As the peloton prepares for the season ahead, all eyes will be on Spain this fall, where the Angliru, the Bola del Mundo, and a thrilling third-week ITT promise to deliver unforgettable moments and crown a worthy champion.
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