2025 La Vuelta a España: Final Week Recap
The closing week of the 2025 La Vuelta a España delivered a dramatic mix of shortened stages, decisive climbs, and a disrupted finale in Madrid. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) entered the final block of racing in control of the red jersey and held firm to claim the overall title. For the United States, the race was a breakthrough: Matthew Riccitello (Israel-Premier Tech) finished an impressive 5th overall, while Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) provided strong mountain support for his team leader finishing 7th, and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) contributed solid rides across the final stages for 10th overall. Together, the trio gave U.S. fans plenty to cheer about during the Spanish Grand Tour.
Stage 16: Poio to Mos.Castro de Herville
Stage 16 was affected by mid-race disruptions that forced organizers to adjust the finish. Despite the altered course, Egan Bernal of Ineos Grenadiers showed his climbing strength and powered to the stage win. Jonas Vingegaard remained safely in the leader’s jersey, handling late setbacks without losing ground.
Stage 17: O Barco de Valdeorras to Alto de El Morredero
The following day saw Giulio Pellizzari of Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe celebrate his first professional victory. He attacked decisively on the slopes of the Morredero climb and managed to hold off chasers. Vingegaard once again defended his overall position, while Riccitello put in another steady climbing ride to keep his momentum going.
Stage 18: Valladolid Individual Time Trial
In Valladolid, the time trial specialists came to the fore. Filippo Ganna of Ineos Grenadiers produced a blistering ride to take the victory against the clock. João Almeida managed to claw back a few seconds in the battle for the general classification, but Vingegaard’s cushion remained solid. Riccitello limited his losses against the clock, maintaining a strong overall position.
Stage 19: Rueda to Guijuelo
Stage 19 gave the sprinters a chance to shine. Jasper Philipsen made the most of the fast finish by powering through to a clear sprint win. Vingegaard stayed attentive in the peloton, even picking up some bonus seconds to further strengthen his red jersey lead ahead of the decisive mountain showdown.
Stage 20: Robledo de Chavela to Bola del Mundo
The queen stage to Bola del Mundo lived up to its billing. Jonas Vingegaard confirmed his superiority by attacking in the final kilometers and riding solo to victory at the summit. It was his third stage win of the Vuelta and all but guaranteed him the overall title. Riccitello once again climbed with determination, wrapping up his Vuelta with another strong ride in the high mountains.
Stage 21: Alalpardo to Madrid
The final stage into Madrid was cut short due to large-scale disruptions along the route. With no official stage winner declared, the race ended under unusual circumstances. Despite the cancellation, Jonas Vingegaard was officially crowned the winner of the 2025 Vuelta a España, completing a commanding three-week performance for Visma-Lease a Bike. Riccitello’s consistent riding across the three weeks gave U.S. fans plenty to celebrate, as he finished among the most promising young riders of the race.
Stage Winners Recap
- Stage 16 (Poio → Mos): Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers)
- Stage 17 (O Barco de Valdeorras → Alto de El Morredero): Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe)
- Stage 18 (Valladolid ITT): Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers)
- Stage 19 (Rueda → Guijuelo): Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
- Stage 20 (Robledo de Chavela → Bola del Mundo): Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike)
- Stage 21 (Alalpardo → Madrid): No winner declared — stage cancelled mid-race
Results
- Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) – 74h 20′ 28″
- João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – +1′ 16″
- Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) – +3′ 11″
- Jai Hindley (Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe) – +3′ 41″
- Matthew Riccitello (Israel-Premier Tech) – +5′ 55″
- Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe) – +7′ 23″
- Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) – +7′ 45″
- Félix Gall (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) – +7′ 50″
- Torstein Træen (Bahrain Victorious) – +9′ 48″
- Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) – +12′ 16″
For more pro racing action, explore our full cycling news coverage and upcoming SoCalCycling.com event calendars, including road races, mountain bike events, gravel races, and fun rides & gran fondos.
