The 2025 Vuelta a España promises thrilling action across diverse terrains. From August 23 to September 14, cycling enthusiasts can witness the 80th edition of this prestigious race, covering 3,151km across Italy, France, Andorra, and Spain. The Vuelta’s Grand Tour kicks off in Turin and culminates in Madrid, featuring an intensely challenging route with ten summit finishes and two time trials, according to race organizers. This article details how to watch the event, highlights key stages, and identifies the teams and top contenders to watch.
Vuelta a España 2025: How to Watch Live
Securing access to live coverage of the Vuelta a España 2025 is straightforward, with numerous free and paid options available depending on your location. According to Cyclingnews, several regions offer free livestreams, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
Free Livestream Options
- Australia: SBS and SBS On Demand provide live and free coverage for Australian viewers.
- Spain: The state-owned broadcaster RTVE offers free-to-air coverage and streaming via RTVE Play.
- Belgium: VRT provides free Flemish-language coverage, accessible through the Sporza website.
- Netherlands: NOS offers free viewing options for Dutch audiences.
Paid Streaming and TV Options
- United States: Peacock offers comprehensive coverage, with limited linear TV broadcasts on CNBC.
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports and Discovery+ provide live coverage, with daily highlights available on Quest.
- Canada: FloBikes streams the race for Canadian viewers.
Using a VPN
For viewers traveling abroad, using a VPN is recommended to access their local streams. This ensures uninterrupted access to preferred coverage options, as noted by various cycling news outlets.
The Route: Stages and Key Highlights
The Vuelta a España 2025 route is designed to test the riders’ mettle with a relentlessly hilly and mountainous profile. The race features ten summit finishes and two time trials (one team and one individual), as outlined in the official race details.
Notable Stages
- Stage 2: An early mountain finish in Limone Piemonte sets the tone for a challenging race.
- Stage 4: A trip to Voiron, France, adds international flavor to the competition.
- Angliru: The legendary Angliru makes a return, promising a dramatic and decisive stage.
Teams and Key Contenders
The Vuelta a España 2025 is expected to feature 24 teams, including all 18 WorldTour teams and five second-tier ProTeams, according to Cycling Weekly. While some notable names are absent, the competition remains fierce.
Top Teams
- All 18 WorldTour teams will participate, ensuring a high level of competition.
- Five second-tier ProTeams will also compete, adding depth and potential for surprises.
Key Contenders
While four-time winner Primož Roglič and 2022 champion Tadej Pogačar will not be participating, Jonas Vingegaard is considered a strong favorite. Sepp Kuss is also among the top contenders to watch. Jonas Vingegaard demonstrated his form by winning Stage 2 and claiming the red jersey as the overall leader. Jasper Philipsen secured victory in Stage 1 with a bunch sprint.
Race Times and Schedule
The Vuelta a España 2025 spans from Saturday, August 23, to Sunday, September 14. Specific stage times will vary, but daily coverage will be available through the aforementioned broadcast and streaming partners. Detailed schedules are typically released closer to the event by organizations such as RTVE and SBS.
Conclusion
The Vuelta a España 2025 is set to be an exhilarating race, packed with challenging stages and top-tier competition. With numerous options for free and paid viewing, fans around the world can easily follow the action. Keep an eye on key contenders like Jonas Vingegaard and Sepp Kuss as they battle for the red jersey in this year’s Grand Tour.
