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The 17th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today over 141 kilometers, starting at the Monumento Juan de Castillo in Arnuero and finishing in the coastal city of Santander. Arnuero, known for its historical landmarks and scenic beauty, marked the beginning of this medium mountain stage. The route featured two significant passes but transitioned into 40 kilometers of flat terrain, setting the tone for a calm finish in Santander, a vibrant port city famous for its beaches and maritime heritage. Despite the early climbs, the flat stretch toward the end promised a quieter race.

Third win for Groves

Kaden Groves (ADC) claimed yet another victory in this year’s Vuelta, crossing the finish line in Santander with a time of 03h 32′ 14″. He was followed closely by Pavel Bittner (DFP) and Vincent Braet (IWA), both finishing in the same time. This marks Groves’ third stage win in the Tour of Spain, further solidifying his status as one of the premier sprinters in the race. His powerful performances have left little doubt about his prowess in the flat and fast finishes, making him a dominant force in the sprints.

Quiet Day

In today’s stage, there were no significant changes in the overall classification. Jay Vine remains the leader of the climber’s classification, holding onto the polka dot jersey with a 14-point lead over Marc Soler, his closest rival. With Wout Van Aert no longer in contention, the battle for the climber’s jersey now seems to be between Vine and Soler, setting the stage for a thrilling contest in the coming mountain stages.

A day of surprises tomorrow?

Tomorrow’s 18th stage promises to be quite different from today’s race. Although it’s also a mid-mountain event, it lacks the flat terrain that characterized the final kilometers of today’s stage. With the course consisting of consistent climbs and descents, the stage offers a prime opportunity for a small climber’s breakaway to take the win. This terrain is perfect for aggressive riders, and we might see some surprises as lesser-known climbers could have their moment to shine. Victory could be wide open, making this stage an exciting one to watch.

The 16th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today, taking riders from the coastal town of Luanco to the iconic climb at Lagos de Covadonga. Luanco, known for its maritime charm, offered a scenic yet deceptive start to this 181km mountain race. The finish at Lagos de Covadonga, nestled in the stunning Picos de Europa, presented a legendary challenge, with two category 1 climbs and a grueling final ascent that tested the peloton to the limits. This stage has solidified its reputation as one of the most demanding in the race.

Soler: winner of stage 16

Marc Soler claimed victory in today’s grueling 16th stage, crossing the finish line in 04h 44′ 46″ and securing his first stage win in this year’s Vuelta. He was followed by Filippo Zana of Jayco Alula, just 18 seconds behind, and Michael Poole of Team DSM-Firmenich, who finished 23 seconds back. This win marks another significant milestone in Soler’s career.

Having debuted in 2017 with Movistar Team, Soler has steadily grown into a strong contender in mountain stages, accumulating an impressive 473 climber points by 2023. Since joining UAE Team Emirates in 2022, his prowess as a climber has only sharpened, and this year’s Vuelta is a testament to his ongoing development. His ability to handle demanding terrain makes him a cyclist to watch in the coming years.

The matamorphosis of classification

Today’s stage brought a series of dramatic turnarounds, starting with the overall classification. Ben O’Connor managed to hold onto the red jersey, but his lead has been drastically reduced to just 5 seconds over Primož Roglic, who continues to chip away at the Australian’s advantage. As the Vuelta enters its final stages, the battle for the overall lead is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling contests in recent years.

Another shock came when Wout Van Aert, who had been dominant throughout the race, unexpectedly dropped out¹. His withdrawal has left the door open for Kaden Groves, who now takes over the best sprinter’s jersey. Van Aert’s exit is a major surprise, and with Groves stepping up, the sprint classification is suddenly wide open once again.

A quieter day expected for stage 17

Stage 17 will take the riders through mid-mountain terrain, but the flat final 40 kilometers will likely set the stage for a sprint finish. This provides a golden opportunity for Kaden Groves to prove that he is a worthy holder of the green jersey following Van Aert’s retirement. If Groves can dominate the sprint tomorrow, it will solidify his position as the top sprinter of this Vuelta and confirm that he fully deserves his place as the new leader in the sprint classification.

1. Van Aert suffers knee injury in crash ↩︎

The 15th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today between Infiesto and Valgrande-Pajares, culminating in the grueling ascent of Cuitu Negru. Infiesto, a picturesque town nestled in the Asturian countryside, served as the starting point for this challenging 143 km mountain stage. The finish line awaited the riders at the summit of Valgrande-Pajares, a ski resort known for its steep climbs and breathtaking views. This stage, characterized by its multiple punishing passes, is one of the most difficult of this year’s Vuelta, testing even the most seasoned climbers.

Zapater impresses with victory on a tough stage

Pablo Castrillo Zapater claimed his second victory of this Vuelta today with a stellar performance on the grueling slopes of Cuitu Negru, crossing the finish line in 03h 45′ 51″. Hot on his heels was Aleksandr Vlasov, who finished 12 seconds later, followed by Pavel Sivakov, who came in 31 seconds behind the leader. This year’s Vuelta has truly showcased Castrillo Zapater’s talent, marking him as one of the best up-and-coming climbers of the next few years. His impressive ascent through the ranks is one to watch closely as his career progresses.

Ben O’Connor holds his ground!

Despite the intense battle on the slopes of Cuitu Negru, Ben O’Connor is holding on to his overall lead in the Vuelta. He lost almost 20 seconds to Primož Roglič, but his efforts were enough to keep the red jersey for at least another day. In the climbers’ classification, Jay Vine made a significant move by catching up with Wout van Aert, equaling his points tally. The fight for the weighted jersey is now wide open, setting the stage for an exciting contest in the days to come.

One difficulty follows another

Stage 16 will once again challenge the riders with difficult mountain terrain, pushing them to their limits. The big question is whether Pablo Castrillo Zapater will seize another opportunity to shine, solidifying his reputation as a rising star, or if the great favorite, Primož Roglič, will finally take control of this Vuelta, narrowing the gap to claim the leader’s jersey. All eyes will be on the climbs, as the battle for supremacy intensifies.

Today’s 14th stage of the Vuelta took the riders on a challenging 200km journey from Villafranca del Bierzo to Villablino, a route characterized by the rugged terrain typical of the region. Villafranca del Bierzo, a historic town nestled in the heart of the Bierzo region, served as the starting point, known for its beautiful medieval architecture and picturesque vineyards. The race concluded in Villablino, a town surrounded by the mountains of the Laciana Valley, renowned for its rich mining history. Along the way, the cyclists faced two significant climbs, including the grueling category 1 Puerto de Leitariegos, which was pivotal in shaping the day’s results.

Van Aert and Groves fight for every victory

In a thrilling sprint finish, Australian cyclist Kaden Groves (ADC) clinched his second victory of this year’s Vuelta, crossing the finish line in Villablino with a time of 04h 21′ 34″. He narrowly edged out Wout van Aert (TVL), who finished in the same time but had to settle for second place. Corbin Strong (IPT) also crossed the line with the same time, securing third place. Groves’ win today solidifies his position as a formidable sprinter in this Vuelta, proving once again his ability to deliver under pressure.

Van Aert keeps his distance for the sprinter’s jersey

Since today’s stage concluded with a mass sprint, there were no significant changes in the overall classification. Despite Kaden Groves’ impressive performance in securing his second stage win, it wasn’t enough to pose a real threat to Wout van Aert in the battle for the best sprinter’s jersey. Van Aert continues to hold a comfortable lead in that competition, and Groves, despite his victories, still has ground to cover to challenge the Belgian’s dominance in the sprints.

The end for O’Connor?

Tomorrow’s stage is set to be one of the most challenging of this Vuelta, featuring the infamous Col de Cuitu Negru. As one of the toughest climbs in the race, it promises to be a decisive day for the general classification. This could be Primož Roglič’s golden opportunity to close the final minute gap between him and Ben O’Connor, making the battle for the red jersey even more intense. All eyes will be on the Slovenian as he seeks to reclaim the top spot in the standings.

Today’s 13th stage of the Vuelta took riders on a grueling 176 km mountain race from Lugo to Puerto de Ancares. Lugo, a historic city known for its well-preserved Roman walls, provided a scenic start to the day’s demanding route. The race concluded at Puerto de Ancares, a high-altitude finish that tested the riders’ climbing abilities. The stage featured four significant passes, starting with a Category 3 and escalating to two Category 2 climbs before culminating in a challenging Category 1 ascent. The increasing difficulty throughout the stage made it a true test of endurance and strength.

Canadian victory

The 13th stage saw Michael Woods of Israel – Premier Tech take the win with a time of 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds. He was followed by Maurits Schmid from Jayco-Alula, who finished just 45 seconds behind, and Marc Soler from UAE Team Emirates, who crossed the line 1 minute and 11 seconds after Woods.

Michael Woods, a Canadian cyclist, has shown consistent improvement throughout his career. Since his early days with Optum in 2015, Woods has evolved into a formidable climber. Notably, his climbing points have steadily increased, reflecting his growing strength in mountainous stages. Woods has been a key player for his teams, including Cannondale-Drapac and EF Pro Cycling, and now Israel – Premier Tech. His career highlights include significant performances in mountain stages and one-day races, with his 2023 form demonstrating his continued prowess in challenging terrains.

Movement in the overall rankings

The 13th stage brought significant shifts in the rankings. Most notably, Wout Van Aert claimed the King of the Mountains jersey after a strong performance, collecting 14 points today. This achievement means he now holds both the King of the Mountains and Best Sprinter jerseys. In the overall individual classification, Primož Roglič made substantial gains, closing the gap to leader Ben O’Connor to just 1 minute and 21 seconds. The race for the red jersey is intensifying as the Vuelta progresses.

An unpredictable stage

Tomorrow’s stage promises to be another mountainous challenge, featuring two significant passes that will test the riders’ climbing abilities. With the terrain favoring the strong climbers, it’s a stage where any of the top contenders could emerge victorious. Look out for potential standout performances from riders vying for the Best Young Rider jersey, such as Carlos Rodríguez, Fredrik Lipowitz, and Andreas Skjelmose, who may seize the opportunity to make their mark on the race.

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.