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The 12th stage of the Vuelta took riders from Ourense Termal to Estación de Montaña de Manzaneda, covering a challenging 137 km course. Ourense Termal, known for its renowned thermal spas, is a historic town in the province of Ourense in Galicia, offering a picturesque start to the stage. The race concluded at Estación de Montaña de Manzaneda, a popular mountain resort nestled in the rugged terrain of the Galician highlands. The stage featured a demanding climb to the finish, with the Category 1 pass at 1,488 meters elevating the race to new heights as riders tackled the final ascent.

Career launch for Pablo Castrillo Zapater

In today’s stage, Spanish cyclist Pablo Castrillo Zapater of EKP claimed victory with a time of 3 hours, 36 minutes, and 12 seconds. Michael Poole from DFP secured second place, finishing 8 seconds behind, while Marc Soler from UAD crossed the line in third, 16 seconds off the pace.

Castrillo Zapater, born in 2021, marked a significant milestone by making his Grand Tour debut in this year’s Vuelta. His victory at Estación de Montaña de Manzaneda is a promising start to what could be a remarkable career in professional cycling.

A fairly quiet overall ranking

Today’s stage did not bring any changes to the general classification or the jersey standings. The red jersey remains with Ben O’Connor, while the best climber and sprinter jerseys are unchanged. With the current standings holding steady, the anticipated shifts in the rankings will have to wait a bit longer, keeping fans on edge for the next opportunity for a major shake-up.

Another high altitude arrival

Tomorrow’s stage promises to be a challenging mountain affair, featuring four passes, including a decisive finish atop a Category 1 climb. With the tough terrain and elevation, it’s set to test the riders’ endurance and climbing skills. Roglic, in particular, may see this as a crucial opportunity to gain ground on O’Connor and make his move in the general classification. Expect an intense race with significant shifts in the standings as the peloton tackles this demanding route.

Today’s 11th stage of the Vuelta was a dynamic 166 km loop starting and finishing at the Cortizo Padron Technology Campus in the charming town of Padron. Nestled in the province of A Coruña, Padron is known for its picturesque landscapes and historical significance. The route took riders through a challenging medium mountain course, featuring four significant passes: two Category 3 climbs and one Category 2 pass, which the peloton tackled twice. The stage showcased the undulating terrain that tested the riders’ endurance and strategic prowess throughout the race.

Dunban’s first Vuelta victory

In today’s stage, Eddie Dunbar (JAY) emerged victorious with a time of 03h 44′ 52″, securing a hard-fought win in the medium mountain terrain. Quentin Hermans (ADC) finished just two seconds behind Dunbar, crossing the line at 03h 44′ 54″, followed closely by Michael Poole (DFP) with the same time, but slightly behind in positioning.

Dunbar has steadily climbed the ranks in professional cycling since his early days with Sky/Ineos Grenadiers from 2018 to 2022. His move to Jayco Alula in 2023 marked a significant step in his career, with notable achievements such as a top 7 finish in the Giro d’Italia. In 2024, he further cemented his reputation by winning the Irish Time Trial Championship, showcasing his versatility and determination across various cycling disciplines.

Roglič grabs seconds

Today’s stage didn’t bring any major shake-ups in the overall rankings. The red jersey remains unchanged, with Ben O’Connor still leading the general classification. However, O’Connor did lose a few precious seconds to his closest rival, Primož Roglič, who continues to close the gap. Despite this minor shift, the various jerseys remain in the hands of their current holders, and the competition for the red jersey continues to intensify.

A short but intense event

Tomorrow’s stage may be short at just 137 km, but it’s a relentless uphill battle from start to finish. With such a demanding course, a climber is likely to emerge victorious. Riders like Carlos Rodríguez, Richard Carapaz, or Adam Yates, all known for their climbing prowess, could well take the spotlight and claim the top spot. The stage promises to be a decisive one for those with aspirations in the high mountains.

Today’s 10th stage of the Vuelta took the riders on a challenging 160 km journey from Ponteareas to Baiona, a picturesque route set against the backdrop of Galicia. Starting in Ponteareas, a town known for its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene, the cyclists faced a demanding day ahead. The finish line awaited in Baiona, a coastal town famous for its medieval fortress and the first sighting of Columbus’s returning fleet. The stage was defined by four significant mountain passes, culminating in the grueling ascent of Alto de Mougás, a category one climb that would determine the day’s outcome.

An unfavorable terrain

Wout van Aert claimed victory in today’s stage with a time of 3h 50′ 47″, marking his third win in this year’s Vuelta. He was followed closely by Quentin Pacher of Groupama-FDJ, who finished just three seconds behind, and Marc Soler of UAE Team Emirates, who crossed the line over two minutes later. Known primarily for his sprinting prowess and versatility on varied terrains, van Aert surprised many today by dominating a mountain stage, proving he is a formidable contender even in the high mountains. His ability to carve out several minutes against top climbers solidifies his status as one of the most complete riders in the peloton.

All eyes on the weighted jersey

Today’s race did not significantly alter the overall classification for the red jersey, with the top contenders maintaining their positions. However, Wout van Aert’s performance has brought him level with Adam Yates for the best climber jersey. Despite his impressive showing, Van Aert may struggle to maintain his position at the top of this classification as the race progresses. On the other hand, his lead in the sprinter’s jersey continues to grow, especially after taking first place in the intermediate sprint today.

Another race with a versatile profile

Tomorrow’s stage will be a loop starting from the CORTIZO PADRON technology campus, offering a challenging mid-mountain route. This stage presents yet another opportunity for cyclists who aren’t among the favorites to spring a surprise. A well-timed breakaway could prove fruitful, making it a perfect chance for riders looking to shake up the standings and take advantage of the terrain.

Today’s 9th stage of the Vuelta was a grueling 178 km mountain race that began in Motril, a coastal town known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The race took the riders through the rugged landscapes of Andalusia, culminating in the historic city of Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The route featured three challenging category 1 passes, testing the climbers’ endurance and strategy. The stage concluded with a thrilling descent after the final pass, leading into Granada’s ancient streets, where the day’s victor was crowned.

British victory

Adam Yates, riding for UAE Team Emirates, secured a decisive victory in today’s 9th stage of the Vuelta, which spanned 178 km from Motril to Granada. The mountainous route, characterized by three Category 1 passes, ended with a thrilling descent into Granada. The race’s grueling climbs tested the riders’ endurance and showcased their climbing prowess.

Yates completed the stage in 4 hours, 42 minutes, and 28 seconds, outpacing Richard Carapaz, who crossed the finish line 1 minute and 39 seconds later. Ben O’Connor took third place, finishing 3 minutes and 45 seconds behind Yates. This victory marks another milestone in Yates’ career, which began with Orica GreenEDGE in 2014. Over the years, Yates has become a formidable climber, steadily improving his general classification and time trial points. Currently, riding for UAE Team Emirates, his primary role is to support Tadej Pogacar. However, in Pogacar’s absence, Yates has the freedom to fully showcase his potential, as demonstrated by today’s victory.

Best climber jersey still in circulation

Adam Yates made the most significant move of the day by seizing the King of the Mountains jersey, solidifying his status as one of the top climbers in this year’s Vuelta. His performance also propelled him up several places in the general classification, putting him in a strong position as the race progresses. In the team rankings, UAE Team Emirates currently leads, a testament to their overall strength and strategy. They are followed by DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE and RED BULL – BORA – HANSGROHE, both of which are also showing consistent performances in the race.

A special challenge

Stage 10 promises to be a special day, combining flat sections with high-category climbs, which could create an ideal scenario for a breakaway. This stage presents a unique opportunity for many riders to make their mark. Expect to see outsider riders like Richard Carapaz, Felix Gall, or David Gaudu potentially shine as they navigate the diverse terrain and aim for victory.

Today’s 8th stage of the Vuelta unfolded between the historic town of Úbeda and the picturesque mountain village of Cazorla, covering 159 km of medium-mountain terrain. Úbeda, known for its stunning Renaissance architecture, served as the starting point, sending the riders into a challenging route that included two significant climbs. The first was a Category 2 pass that tested the peloton’s endurance, followed by the ascent of Sierra de Cazorla, a Category 3 climb reaching 1,056 meters, which led the riders into the final stretch towards the finish in Cazorla, a town nestled in the heart of the Sierra de Cazorla Natural Park.

A second victory for the Slovenian

Primož Roglič claimed his second victory of this year’s Vuelta today, crossing the finish line in Cazorla with a time of 3h 38′ 34″. Roglič, representing RBH, edged out Movistar’s Enric Mas, who finished with the same time. Mikel Landa of SOQ completed the podium, arriving 14 seconds later. This win puts Roglič on par with his former teammate Wout Van Aert, both having secured two stage victories in the race so far, solidifying their dominance in this year’s competition.

A battle for two jerseys

With today’s victory, Primož Roglič not only inches closer to Ben O’Connor, the current leader of the overall classification, but also secures the best climber’s jersey. Roglič’s strong performance on the climbs allowed him to gain valuable time on his rivals, reducing the gap to O’Connor. As the race progresses, Roglič’s dual threat as both a general classification contender and a top climber makes him a formidable presence in the Vuelta.

A particularly difficult stage

Tomorrow’s stage promises to be a challenging high mountain test, featuring three demanding category 1 passes. Climbers will be at the forefront, with riders like Mikel Landa, Ben O’Connor, and Primož Roglič expected to shine. The steep ascents and long climbs will offer these top contenders a crucial opportunity to make significant gains in the general classification. As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how these climbers handle the grueling terrain.

The 7th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today, taking the riders on a 180 km journey from Archidona to Córdoba. Archidona, a picturesque town nestled in the Andalusian hills, served as the starting point for this slightly hilly stage, which tested the peloton with a mix of rolling terrain. The race culminated in the historic city of Córdoba, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. With just one significant challenge, a Category 2 climb positioned 30 km from the finish line, the stage was set for a dynamic finale as the riders approached the bustling streets of Córdoba.

The Belgian unrolls

Wout Van Aert (TVL) secured his second victory in this year’s Vuelta, crossing the finish line in Córdoba with a time of 04h 15′ 39″. He was closely followed by Mathias Vacek (LTK) and Pau Miquel Delgado (EKP), both finishing with the same time but unable to outmatch Van Aert’s sprint to the line.

Van Aert’s triumph today reinforces his dominant form in this Vuelta, as he has consistently placed in the top three of every sprinting stage so far. His power and versatility make him a formidable contender, and with two stage wins under his belt already, he is proving to be one of the most reliable and strongest riders in the peloton this year.

The green jersey already decided

Van Aert’s victory today has given him a small but significant lead in the battle for the sprinter’s jersey. He now sits at 203 points, with Kaden Groves in second place at 162 points. While nothing is decided yet, Van Aert’s consistent performances and his ability to finish strongly in every sprint suggest that he could be unstoppable if he continues at this pace. His dominance is becoming increasingly apparent, and with each stage, he moves closer to securing the coveted sprinter’s jersey.

The battle for the overall classification resumes tomorrow

Tomorrow’s stage between Úbeda and Cazorla presents a challenging medium-mountain course that could significantly impact the general classification. It will be a crucial opportunity for contenders like João Almeida or Primož Roglič to close the gap on Ben O’Connor, or perhaps for O’Connor to extend his lead even further. With the demanding terrain ahead, the battle among the GC favorites is set to intensify, making it a pivotal day in the race.

Today’s 6th stage of the Vuelta took the riders on a challenging 186 km journey from Carrefour Jerez Sur in Jerez de la Frontera to the mountainous town of Yunquera. Jerez de la Frontera, known for its sherry and Andalusian charm, marked the beginning of this grueling stage, sending cyclists through a demanding course that tested their endurance and climbing abilities. The finish in Yunquera, nestled in the Sierra de las Nieves, awaited those who could conquer the stage’s toughest climb, the Puerto del Boyar, a Category 1 pass rising to 1,108 meters. This formidable ascent played a crucial role in shaping the day’s outcomes.

DAT score their first win

Ben O’Connor (DAT) emerged victorious in today’s 6th stage of the Vuelta, crossing the finish line in Yunquera with a time of 04h 28′ 12″. His commanding performance on the Puerto del Boyar climb set him apart from the competition, securing a significant lead. Matteo Frigo (IPT) claimed second place, finishing 4 minutes and 33 seconds behind O’Connor, while Felix Lipowitz (RBH) rounded out the podium, arriving 5 minutes and 12 seconds after the winner.

Ben O’Connor, an Australian rider known for his climbing prowess, has steadily built a reputation as a formidable competitor in mountain stages. With this victory, he further cements his status as one of the top climbers in the peloton, showcasing his ability to dominate in challenging terrains.

a comfortable lead

With today’s impressive win, Ben O’Connor has claimed the red jersey, catapulting himself nearly 5 minutes ahead of his rivals. This substantial lead puts him in a commanding position in the general classification, leaving the other contenders with a tough challenge ahead. Despite O’Connor’s dominance, there were no changes to the other jerseys, with Primož Roglič now sitting in second place. To live up to his status as one of the favorites, Roglič will need to chip away at the gap O’Connor established, battling to regain lost time minute by minute.

A hard-to-predict victory

Tomorrow’s stage between Archidona and Córdoba promises to be an intriguing 180 km event on hilly terrain. With a challenging 2nd category pass near the end of the route, the race could produce a winner from outside the usual sprinting favorites. This stage presents an ideal opportunity for versatile riders, such as Wout Van Aert, to shine and possibly break away from the pack. The varied terrain and the late climb could see tactical moves that shake up the race, making it a day where anything can happen.

The 5th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today, covering a 177 km flat route from Fuente de Maestre to Sevilla. Fuente de Maestre, a charming town in the province of Badajoz, is known for its rich history and tranquil landscapes. The stage concluded in Sevilla, the vibrant capital of Andalusia, renowned for its stunning architecture and deep cultural heritage. This flat stage offered the sprinters a prime opportunity to shine as they raced through the scenic plains of southern Spain.

First grand tour victory for P. Bittn

In a thrilling sprint finish, Pavel Bittner of Team dsm-firmenich PostNL emerged victorious in today’s stage, crossing the line with a time of 04h 25′ 28″. Hot on his heels were Wout Van Aert (TVL) and Kaden Groves (ADC), who both finished with the same time, but Bittner’s well-timed effort secured him the win.

Pavel Bittner, at just 21 years old, is quickly making a name for himself in the professional cycling world. Hailing from the Czech Republic, he joined Team dsm-firmenich PostNL in 2024 and has already accumulated 77 sprinter points, along with 4 time trial points and 5 general classification points. His victory in today’s stage is a testament to his potential and growing prowess as a sprinter.

No upheaval on the general classification

The flat profile of today’s stage meant that the general classification remained unchanged, with no significant shifts among the top contenders. In the sprinters’ ranking, Wout Van Aert continues to hold the lead, with Kaden Groves firmly in second place. Pavel Bittner’s victory does see him move into third place in the sprint standings, but he remains over 60 points behind Van Aert. As the race progresses, the competition in the sprinter’s jersey remains intense, with Van Aert and Groves closely contesting the top positions.

A difficult ordeal lies ahead

Tomorrow’s stage marks a return to mountainous terrain with the route from Jerez de la Frontera to Yunquera. The 186 km course includes several challenging passes, offering climbers a prime opportunity to gain valuable points for the best climber’s jersey. Sylvain Moniquet, currently leading the climber classification, will be a key rider to watch as he looks to defend his position. Additionally, the general classification favorites, including Primož Roglič, Simon Gall, and João Almeida, are expected to make their presence felt in this demanding stage. With the race shifting to the mountains, the competition will intensify, providing a thrilling spectacle for cycling fans.

The fourth stage of the Vuelta unfolded today with a challenging 170 km mountain race from Plasencia to Pico Villuercas. Plasencia, a historic town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant local culture, marked the stage’s start. The riders then tackled a demanding route that included the formidable Alto de Piornal (1195m), followed by the punishing ascent to Pico Villuercas (1550m) as the finish line. With gradients exceeding 15%, the final climb to Pico Villuercas provided a dramatic conclusion to the stage, showcasing the riders’ climbing prowess and determination.

BORA – hansgrohe back on track for victory

Primož Roglič of BORA – hansgrohe emerged victorious in the fourth stage of the Vuelta, completing the 170 km mountain race from Plasencia to Pico Villuercas with a time of 04h 26′ 49″. Roglič crossed the finish line in a thrilling sprint alongside Lennert van Eetvelt of Lotto-Dstny and João Almeida of UAE Team Emirates, who also finished at the same time but were narrowly edged out by the Slovenian rider. The stage’s grueling climbs, including the Alto de Piornal and the final ascent to Pico Villuercas, showcased Roglič’s exceptional climbing ability.

Primož Roglič, the 34-year-old Slovenian, has been a prominent figure in cycling for nearly a decade. Starting his career with Adria Mobil in 2015, Roglič quickly ascended the ranks, joining Team LottoNL-Jumbo in 2016 and later moving to Team Jumbo-Visma. His career has been marked by notable successes in stage races, including grand tours. In 2024, Roglič, now with BORA – hansgrohe, continues to demonstrate his formidable climbing skills, with a strong focus on the general classification. His performance today reinforces his status as a top contender in this year’s Vuelta.

The red jersey is back in the hands of the favourites

With his commanding performance today, Primož Roglič ascends to the red jersey, taking over the lead in the general classification. The sprinters who dominated the top of the standings just a day ago have now fallen out of the top 10, as the mountainous terrain proved a tough challenge for them. Despite the shake-up, the race remains incredibly close, with seven cyclists sharing the same time in the overall standings. This tight grouping promises a fierce battle for the red jersey in the coming stages, as the contenders jostle for position and capitalize on every opportunity to gain an advantage.

The battle for the green jersey resumes tomorrow

Tomorrow’s stage will return to flatter terrain as the race moves from Fuente del Maestre to Sevilla. The route promises a swift pace with a negative gradient throughout, setting the stage for a likely sprint finish. Given the flat profile, it is expected that a sprinter will claim victory. Wout van Aert, currently holding the best sprinter’s jersey, will be particularly motivated to defend his lead, as Kaden Groves is just 6 points behind in the sprint standings. With the competition tightening, Van Aert will need to give his all to secure his position and maintain his edge in the sprint classification.

The third stage of the Vuelta unfolded today with a demanding 191 km race between Lousã and Castelo Branco. Lousã, a charming town nestled in the mountains of central Portugal, served as the starting point, with its lush forests and historic castles providing a scenic backdrop as the riders embarked on their journey. The route challenged the peloton with two key climbs: the Alto de Teixeira (860m, category 2) and the Alto de Alpedrinha (740m, category 4), testing their endurance on the slopes. The stage concluded in Castelo Branco, a historic city known for its medieval walls and rich heritage, where the finish line awaited the riders after a grueling day on the road.

Reverse rankings between Groves and Van Aert

In a tightly contested sprint finish, Wout van Aert of Team Visma | Lease a Bike secured victory in the third stage of the Vuelta, clocking a time of 04h 40′ 42″. The Belgian powerhouse edged out Kaden Groves of Alpecin-Deceuninck, who finished on the same time, with Jon Aberasturi Izaga of Euskaltel-Euskadi also crossing the line in 04h 40′ 42″, rounding out the top three. The stage saw Van Aert showcasing his remarkable versatility, excelling on the climbs and demonstrating his sprinting prowess to take the win.

Wout van Aert, the 29-year-old Belgian, has established himself as one of the most versatile riders in the peloton. Weighing 78 kg and standing 1.9 meters tall, Van Aert’s career has been marked by an impressive balance of sprinting, climbing, and time-trialing abilities. Since his early days with Crelan – Vastgoedservice in 2016, Van Aert has evolved into a formidable all-rounder. In the last two seasons, he has scored over 1,500 PCS points and continues to be a dominant force in the race for the general classification. His victory today adds to his already impressive palmarès, further cementing his status as a top contender in this year’s Vuelta.

Battle for best climber begins

Wout van Aert’s victory in today’s stage allows him to logically retain the red jersey, solidifying his lead in the general classification. His consistent performances, both in the time trial and the rugged stages, have made him the rider to beat in this year’s Vuelta. Meanwhile, Luis Ángel Maté of Euskaltel-Euskadi had a strong day in the mountains, strategically collecting points on the climbs of Alto de Teixeira and Alto de Alpedrinha. His efforts earned him the polka-dot jersey, marking him as the leader of the mountains classification and positioning him as a serious contender for the climber’s title in the stages to come.

Real difficulties begin

Tomorrow’s stage will be the first true test for the climbers, featuring two demanding category 1 passes that are sure to shake up the general classification. The favorites of the Vuelta, including Primož Roglič and Adam Yates, will be under close watch as they navigate the challenging ascents. This stage could see the first major moves from these GC contenders as they attempt to gain an edge. Additionally, the battle for the polka-dot jersey will heat up, with riders like Giulio Ciccone and Luis Ángel Maté likely to seize the opportunity to collect valuable points on the climbs. The stage promises to be a decisive one, setting the tone for the mountains to come.