The cycling world is absolutely buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Vuelta a España prepares to unfold across the stunning landscapes of Spain and beyond. Running for three weeks in late August and early September, the world’s finest professional cyclists will embark on an extraordinary odyssey that promises spectacular mountain battles, heart-stopping sprints, and the kind of drama that only Spain’s Grand Tour can deliver.
Why is the Vuelta a España so special?
La Vuelta a España stands proudly as one of cycling’s three prestigious Grand Tours, alongside the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. What sets the Spanish race apart is its late-season timing, typically serving as the thrilling finale to the Grand Tour calendar, and its well-earned reputation for delivering some of the most demanding and spectacular mountain stages in professional cycling.
The race follows the traditional Grand Tour format that cycling fans know and love: 21 stages spread across 23 days with two rest days, covering a staggering total distance of approximately 3151KM. The rider with the fastest cumulative time across all stages claims the coveted red jersey – the legendary maillot rojo – which has become synonymous with excellence in Spanish cycling culture.
The 2025 Route
This year’s edition presents something genuinely special – it’s the 90th anniversary of La Vuelta (but the 80th edition due to interruptions during wartime), and the organisers have planned a route that pays beautiful homage to the race’s rich heritage whilst boldly embracing innovation. Running from 23 August to 14 September 2025, the confirmed route shows the race will begin outside Spain’s borders, officially starting in Italy before crossing through multiple countries – creating a truly European cycling tour and a proper continental celebration of cycling excellence.
Legendary Climbs
The 2025 route will include several legendary ascents that have shaped Vuelta history and continue to strike fear into the hearts of even the most accomplished climbers:
Alto del Angliru: Perhaps the most feared climb in all of Spanish cycling, this 12.5KM monster features gradients reaching an absolutely brutal 23.6%. The infamous “Cueña les Cabres” section is notorious for its savage steepness, and this climb has produced some of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments in Vuelta history. Once again, riders will describe it as cycling through hell itself.
Lagos de Covadonga: This iconic climb nestled in the stunning Picos de Europa National Park has been a cherished Vuelta staple since 1983, offering breathtaking scenery alongside punishing gradients. The ascent to the pristine mountain lakes remains one of the most atmospheric and emotionally charged finishes in all of professional cycling.
Bola del Mundo: This legendary summit will return to the route as Stage 20, providing a crucial late-race opportunity for climbers to shake up the general classification before the race concludes in Madrid.
As is traditional with La Vuelta, the route will likely feature numerous summit finishes, ensuring that pure climbers and general classification contenders face multiple opportunities to test themselves against Spain’s most challenging and beautiful terrain.
The Grand Finale Awaits
The 2025 Vuelta a España promises to be an absolutely extraordinary celebration of cycling excellence, combining the sport’s finest athletes with Spain’s most spectacular landscapes and passionate cycling culture. From the opening stages in historic Turin to the grand finale in magnificent Madrid, this year’s route offers something genuinely special for every type of cycling fan.
As the cycling world prepares for another thrilling chapter of Vuelta history, the race continues to embody everything that makes Grand Tour cycling so utterly compelling: the perfect blend of athletic prowess, tactical sophistication, and pure human drama played out against some of Europe’s most stunning and challenging backdrops.
Experience La Vuelta 2025 for Yourself
For cycling fans keen to witness the magic of La Vuelta up close- whether cheering from the roadside or joining organised rides across Spain – the idea of travelling with your bike can be daunting. That’s where My Baggage comes in, offering a fast, reliable, and stress-free door-to-door bike shipping service.
Since 2009, My Baggage has helped customers worldwide ship everything from luggage to sports equipment, including bikes. Our service includes full online tracking, so you can follow your bike’s journey to Spain while travelling light.
Picture arriving in Spain feeling refreshed – no heavy bike boxes to wrestle through airports or hotels. Simply ship your bike ahead with My Baggage and enjoy more time soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the route, and making the most of your experience.
