Vuelta a España Might Climb the Mighty Pico Veleta in 2025 or 2026
While Tour de France riders will face the challenge of the 2,800-meter Col de la Bonette in 2024, the Vuelta a España could take things a step further in 2025 or 2026, potentially reaching even higher altitudes!
The Pico Veleta, a giant in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Andalusia, has already been glimpsed on the Vuelta in 2017 and 2022, with stage finishes at the Alto Hoya de la Mora at 2,500 meters. But Spanish Vuelta director Fernando Guillén dreams of taking the race all the way to the Pico Veleta’s 3,398-meter summit.
This legendary climb, a staple of the Tour de France, boasts 42.4 kilometers of relentless ascent with an average gradient of 6.5%. Reaching the top would be a monumental feat for the Vuelta’s riders, pushing them to even greater limits than ever before.
However, incorporating the Pico Veleta into the Vuelta’s route presents logistical challenges. The narrow and winding road leading to the peak is currently closed to traffic, requiring special authorization for race organizers. Additionally, ensuring the safety of riders and spectators at such a high altitude would be paramount.
Despite the difficulties, Guillén remains determined to make his dream a reality. He’s been in talks with local authorities and the Sierra Nevada Natural Park to find solutions and pave the way for a potential Pico Veleta stage in the years to come.
Whether the Vuelta’s peloton will one day conquer the mighty Pico Veleta remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the prospect of this epic climb being added to the race’s menu is sure to excite cycling fans around the world.
Sepp Kuss is planning to defend his title at the 2024 Vuelta a España
In a surprising turn of events, American cycling sensation Sepp Kuss is gearing up to defend his Vuelta a España title this August, despite a rocky start to his 2024 season.
The Visma-Lease a Bike team confirmed Kuss’s participation, marking a potential comeback after his unexpected absence from the Tour de France due to COVID-19 complications.
Kuss, who made history last year as the first American male in a decade to clinch a grand tour victory, has been spotted training at altitude in Tignes, signaling his determination to reclaim top form. His return to the Vuelta comes at a crucial time for his team, currently feeling his absence in the ongoing Tour de France.
Meanwhile, the cycling world’s attention is split between Kuss’s recovery and the intense battle unfolding in France. Two-time champion Jonas Vingegaard finds himself in a challenging position, trailing behind a dominant Tadej Pogačar. The Visma-Lease a Bike team remains hopeful but pragmatic, acknowledging that strategy alone won’t be enough to overcome Pogačar’s exceptional form.
As the Vuelta a España approaches, starting in Lisbon on August 17th, all eyes will be on Kuss to see if he can replicate last year’s spectacular performance and add another chapter to his remarkable grand tour legacy.
Who are the last 10 winners of Vuelta a España?
Here are the last 10 winners of the Vuelta a España, starting with the most recent edition:
- Sepp Kuss (2023): The Slovenian rider from Team Jumbo-Visma narrowly beat his teammate Jonas Vingegaard by just 17 seconds to claim his first Vuelta title.
- Remco Evenepoel (2022): The young Belgian phenom from Soudal–Quick-Step dominated the 2022 Vuelta, securing the overall victory with a commanding stage win on the Lagos de Covadonga climb.
- Primož Roglič (2021): The Slovenian powerhouse from Jumbo-Visma claimed his third consecutive Vuelta title in 2021, solidifying his place as one of the greatest stage racers of his generation.
- Primož Roglič (2020): Roglič successfully defended his Vuelta crown in 2020, showcasing his all-around prowess and climbing ability.
- Primož Roglič (2019): Roglič’s dominance began in 2019 as he claimed his first Vuelta title in a closely contested battle with Alejandro Valverde.
- Simon Yates (2018): The British rider from Mitchelton-Scott surprised everyone by taking the 2018 Vuelta title in a dramatic come-from-behind victory.
- Chris Froome (2017): The legendary British rider from Team Sky added the Vuelta to his collection of Grand Tour victories in 2017, becoming the first rider since Bernard Hinault in 1978 to win both the Tour de France and Vuelta in the same year.
- Nairo Quintana (2016): The Colombian climbing specialist from Movistar Team triumphed in the 2016 Vuelta, showcasing his endurance and tactical skills.
- Fabio Aru (2015): The Italian rider from Astana surprised everyone with his victory in the 2015 Vuelta, edging out Tom Dumoulin in a close battle.
- Alberto Contador (2014): The Spanish legend from Tinkoff-Saxo secured his second Vuelta title in 2014, adding to his impressive palmarès of Grand Tour victories.
These are just the latest in a long line of prestigious Vuelta a España winners, each with their own unique stories and accomplishments. The race continues to be a thrilling test of cycling’s elite, and it’s always exciting to see who will emerge victorious next.
Read also: 22 Teams Competing in the 2024 Vuelta a España Are Announced
