La Vuelta a España: Tour of Spain Cycling Race (2025)

La Vuelta a España, the Tour of Spain cycling road race, is used to being regarded as the little brother of the three Grand Tours of Europe, lacking some of the history and tradition of the tours of France and Italy. The fact remains, however, that La Vuelta has come a long way since its inaugural event in 1935 when a mere 50 riders covered the 14 stages of the race. Its early years were marred by interruptions due to the Spanish Civil War and World War II. However, since 1955, the Vuelta has been held annually, growing steadily in stature and popularity.

La Vuelta a España 2025

La Vuelta 2025 will begin in Piemonte, Italy, marking the first time the Spanish Grand Tour has started in Italy and the sixth time it has started abroad. The event, celebrating La Vuelta’s 90th anniversary, will feature three stages in Italy from August 23rd before returning to Spain. Highlights include routes through the Alps, summit finishes and iconic climbs like the Bienca-Tomalino and Issiglio Passes.

The announcement of the route, made in Turin, emphasized Piemonte’s rich cycling heritage, which recently included hosting a stage of the 2024 Tour de France. Italy’s historical significance in La Vuelta is notable with six Italian cyclists winning the overall title and 187 stage victories.

This international start underscores the race’s connection to major European cycling nations, building on previous foreign starts in countries such as Portugal, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Origins and History of the Vuelta a España

The initial race was modest, featuring a 14-stage, 3,411 km course and saw Belgian rider Gustaaf Deloor claim victory. As with its French and Italian counterparts, the Vuelta was initially organized by a newspaper, ‘Informaciones’, to boost circulation. Over the decades, the event expanded its scope and prestige, becoming a symbol of Spanish sport and a key fixture in international cycling.

Initially staged in spring, the Vuelta moved to September in 1995 to avoid scheduling conflicts with the Giro d’Italia and to serve as a preparatory race for the World Championships. Today, the race features 21 stages over 23 days, combining time trials, flat stages and grueling mountain climbs. The grand finale traditionally takes place in Madrid, adding to its allure.

As part of the UCI World Tour, the Vuelta attracts elite riders and teams from around the globe. Originally dominated by Spanish competitors, it has evolved into a truly international spectacle, showcasing diverse talent and thrilling rivalries.

The Vuelta began modestly, with small, primarily Spanish riders. Over time, its prestige increased, attracting cycling legends and milestones. Jacques Anquetil became the first rider to win all three Grand Tours in 1963, cementing the Vuelta’s place in cycling history. The introduction of iconic climbs like Lagos de Covadonga in 1983 and Alto de l’Angliru in 1999 added dramatic flair to the race, challenging even the best climbers.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the race saw significant international participation, with stars like Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Sean Kelly leaving their mark. The event’s broadcasting expanded during this period, further boosting its popularity. The 1995 shift to autumn transformed the race into the final Grand Tour of the season, attracting more prominent riders and elevating its global profile.

The modern Vuelta a España Cycle Race frequently ventures beyond Spain’s borders, with memorable starts in Lisbon, Assen and Utrecht. Despite these international excursions, Spain’s stunning and varied landscapes remain at the race’s heart, from coastal roads to rugged mountains.

Notable Riders and Records

The Vuelta has been the stage for remarkable performances from cycling greats. Belgian Gustaaf Deloor dominated the first two editions, while Spaniards like Alberto Contador and Roberto Heras left lasting legacies. Heras holds the record for the most overall wins, with four titles, while Contador became the first Spaniard to win all three Grand Tours.

In the modern era, Chris Froome’s 2017 triumph saw him achieve the rare Tour-Vuelta double. Primož Roglič, another dominant figure, has claimed multiple titles, showcasing his versatility and resilience. The 2023 edition’s victory by Sepp Kuss highlighted the race’s unpredictability, as the American climber emerged from a support role to claim overall victory.

The Vuelta also rewards consistent performers, with legendary sprinters and climbers etching their names into history. Riders like Sean Kelly, who excelled in points classifications and José Luis Laguía, a five-time mountains classification winner, exemplify the race’s diverse challenges.

Most Wins at the Vuelta a España

Jerseys and Classifications

General Classification (Red Jersey)

The red jersey signifies the overall leader, awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative time. Introduced in 2010, it replaced the gold jersey, symbolizing the Vuelta’s most coveted prize. The general classification often showcases a battle of endurance, strategy and tactical brilliance across the three weeks of racing.

Mountains Classification (Polka Dot Jersey)

The white jersey with blue polka dots honors the best climber, rewarding riders who excel on the race’s challenging ascents. Points are awarded at designated mountain summits, making this classification a prized achievement for climbers. The Vuelta’s mountainous terrain often defines the race, with iconic stages playing a decisive role in the standings.

Points Classification (Green Jersey)

Sprinters vie for the green jersey, awarded based on high placements in stage finishes and intermediate sprints. This classification highlights consistency and speed across stages, adding an extra layer of competition to the race.

Young Rider Classification (White Jersey)

The white jersey celebrates the best young rider under a specified age, determined by cumulative time. It serves as a platform for showcasing emerging talent, with many winners going on to achieve greater success in their careers.

Team and Defunct Classifications

The team classification rewards the best overall team performance, reflecting the collaborative effort required in Grand Tours. Previously, the Vuelta featured a combination classification, which combined results from other categories, but it was discontinued in 2019.

Recent Winners of the Vuelta a España

Iconic Climbs of La Vuelta

The 2024 edition of La Vuelta featured some of Spain’s most iconic climbs, including Pico Villuercas, Puerto de Ancares, Cuitu Negru and Lagos de Covadonga. These ascents are renowned for their steep gradients, often exceeding 20%, and the narrow roads lined with cheering crowds that create unforgettable images of the race. However, these peaks are not the highest in the Vuelta’s history.

The award for the highest climb goes to the Alto Hoya de la Mora in Sierra Nevada. This 19km climb, with an average gradient of 5.2% and sections as steep as 12.7%, culminates at 2,511 metres above sea level, marking the roof of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Bola del Mundo in the Sierra de Guadarrama claims the second-highest climb in La Vuelta, thanks to an extension from the Puerto de Navacerrada. Notably, four of the top ten highest climbs are outside Spain, with three in mountainous Andorra and one being the iconic Tourmalet, which frequently features in the Tour de France.

La Vuelta Femenina

La Vuelta Femenina, established in 2023 as a seven-day stage race, is the third major women’s cycling tour, joining the Giro d’Italia Donne and the Tour de France Femmes. Formerly known as Challenge by La Vuelta, the race was renamed and rescheduled to May, signaling its growth in prestige and alignment with professional women’s cycling’s grand stage races.

The inaugural edition featured a challenging route, highlighted by the iconic Lagos de Covadonga climb on the final stage, praised by Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten as essential for the race’s prominence. La Vuelta Femenina includes identical classifications to its male counterpart, with jerseys awarded for general (red), points (green), mountains (polka dot), and young rider (white) standings. A special distinction, the ‘Cima Estela Domínguez’, honours the top climber on the largest ascent and commemorates the late Spanish rider Estela Domínguez.

In 2023, Annemiek van Vleuten claimed victory by just nine seconds, becoming the first woman to win all three major stage races. The 2024 edition, with a longer and more demanding course, was won by Demi Vollering, solidifying La Vuelta Femenina’s growing reputation as a premier event in women’s cycling. The race is broadcast across Europe, further enhancing its visibility and reach.

The Vuelta’s Unique Identity

One of the defining characteristics of the Vuelta is its unpredictability. Unlike the Tour de France or Giro d’Italia, the Vuelta often serves as a platform for unexpected victories. Riders recovering from injuries or emerging talents frequently find success here, adding to the race’s allure.

The timing of the Vuelta, as the last Grand Tour of the year, also adds a unique dynamic. It offers riders a chance to redeem their seasons or solidify their standings, leading to fierce competition and dramatic narratives. The race’s emphasis on steep climbs and explosive stages contrasts with the longer, steadier efforts of its counterparts, providing a distinctive challenge.