The final Grand Tour of the season—La Vuelta a España—kicks off on August 23, and all eyes are on Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike). Fresh off a Tour de France podium, the Danish climber is the man to beat. But hey, this is cycling—anything can happen on those brutal Spanish ascents, especially the iconic Alto de l’Angliru.
Vingegaard may be the top favorite, but he won’t be lonely up there. UAE Team Emirates is bringing not one, but two aces: João Almeida and Juan Ayuso. Almeida, aka the Portuguese Puncheur, has already racked up stage race wins this year (hey, Tour de Suisse, Romandie, and Basque Country!), and he’s hungry for Grand Tour glory. Ayuso, just 22 and racing on home roads, is looking to bounce back from a rough Giro d’Italia. Together, they form a double threat that could make life very uncomfortable for Visma.
Then there’s Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R). Remember last year? He held red until… well, he didn’t. But this Aussie is climbing better than ever and brings a stronger squad. Maybe, just maybe, it’s redemption time.
Let’s not sleep on the dark horses:
Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious): The young Italian was top-four before heatstroke took him out last year. He’s back, and time trials are his friend.
Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers): The comeback king. He may not be at 100%, but when he’s on, he’s must-watch TV.
Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech): The revelation of the Giro. Can he do it again? We’re here for it.
ADVERTISEMENTRomain Bardet (dsm-firmenich PostNL): Always lurking. Never count out the Frenchman.
And hey, what about Mikel Landa (Soudal Quick-Step)? The veteran knows how to suffer—and make others suffer—in the mountains. If his back holds up, he could stir the pot.
So buckle up, folks. With ten—yes, TEN—summit finishes, this Vuelta promises pain, drama, and maybe a surprise or two. Will Vingegaard dominate? Or will Almeida, Ayuso, or a wildcard like O’Connor or Gee spoil the party? One thing’s for sure: it’s gonna be a spicy three weeks.
