The 90th edition of the Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s most prestigious Grand Tours, was unveiled in Madrid on Thursday. In a historic first, the 2025 race will commence in the picturesque Italian region of Piedmont, with the majestic Alps providing a breathtaking backdrop for the world’s elite cyclists.
Set to begin on August 23, 2025, the race will see Italy hosting the opening three stages before the peloton returns to Spanish soil. This marks a significant milestone as the Vuelta starts in Italy for the first time and only the sixth occasion it begins outside Spain. The tradition of international starts, which included last year’s commencement in Portugal and previous openings in the Netherlands and Belgium, continues to showcase the race’s growing global appeal. Looking ahead, the 2026 edition is already slated to start in Monaco.
The opening stage will launch from the historic city of Turin, leading riders on a 183-kilometer journey to Novara. The route promises early excitement with a challenging climb over the Bienca-Tomalino Pass, testing the riders right from the outset. Stage two spans 157 kilometers from the renowned wine region of Alba to Limone Piemonte, culminating in the race’s first summit finish amid the alpine scenery. The Italian leg concludes with a 139-kilometer third stage from San Maurizio Canavese to Ceres, featuring the demanding ascent over the Issiglio Pass. Notably, Turin has become a familiar locale in the cycling world, having hosted the finish of the third stage of the 2024 Tour de France.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Vuelta a España, the race’s Italian start promises to inject fresh excitement and new challenges into the historic event. Cyclists and fans alike can look forward to a thrilling competition that honors tradition while embracing new horizons.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
