The 2025 Vuelta a España kicked off with nine action-packed stages across Italy, France, Andorra, and Spain. From explosive sprints to punishing mountain climbs, the opening week has already provided plenty of drama. Stage victories have been split between top sprinters, powerhouse climbers, and opportunistic attackers, while the general classification has changed hands multiple times. With riders from Alpecin–Deceuninck, Visma–Lease a Bike, Ineos Grenadiers, Groupama–FDJ, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, and Bahrain Victorious all taking their turns in the spotlight, the race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years.
Stage 1: Turin to Novara
The Vuelta began with a flat run into Novara. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin–Deceuninck) powered through the final sprint to claim the first stage and earned the opening red leader’s jersey for his team.
Stage 2: Alba to Limone Piemonte
The first uphill finish quickly shook up the standings. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma–Lease a Bike) attacked on the final ramp to take the stage and move into the race lead.
Stage 3: San Maurizio Canavese to Ceres
David Gaudu (Groupama–FDJ) timed his sprint perfectly on a technical finish to secure the win. Vingegaard held on to the red jersey with bonus seconds, keeping him ahead in the GC.
Stage 4: Susa to Voiron
Ben Turner (Ineos Grenadiers) surprised the peloton by winning the sprint to the line, marking his first career Grand Tour victory. David Gaudu’s consistency saw him move into the red jersey.
Stage 5: Figueres – Team Time Trial
UAE Team Emirates-XRG dominated the team time trial, showing collective strength and moving their GC riders, including Juan Ayuso and João Almeida, into strong overall positions.
Stage 6: Olot to Pal (Andorra)
Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) attacked from the breakaway and soloed to victory on the steep climb. Torstein Træen (Bahrain Victorious) rode steadily and took over the red jersey.
Stage 7: Andorra la Vella to Cerler
Spain celebrated its first victory when Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) surged clear on the Cerler climb for a solo win. Despite the fireworks, Træen (Bahrain Victorious) successfully defended his red jersey.
Stage 8: Monzón to Zaragoza
The sprinters had another chance, and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin–Deceuninck) delivered his second stage win of the race. Træen (Bahrain Victorious) kept the red jersey, holding just over two minutes on Vingegaard.
Stage 9: Alfaro to Valdezcaray
The first week closed with another mountain test. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma–Lease a Bike) attacked strongly on the final climb to take his third stage win. Træen (Bahrain Victorious) retained the red jersey, though his advantage was trimmed to less than a minute heading into the rest day.
