thecyclingdane

Vuelta a España Stage 20 Recap: Jonas Vingegaard delivered a masterclass on the Bola del Mundo, launching a decisive solo attack to win the penultimate mountain stage and secure overall victory. João Almeida faltered under the Dane’s relentless pace, while Sepp Kuss and Jai Hindley rounded out the podium. We break down the brutal climbs, tactical battles, and Vingegaard’s commanding performance that sealed the 2025 Vuelta.

Stage 17 of the 2025 Vuelta a España delivered a mix of youth, grit, and tactical chess on the slopes of the Alto de El Morredero. Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe) stormed to his first professional win, powering clear to claim the stage and extend his lead in the white jersey classification. Behind him, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma–Lease a Bike) played it safe, riding defensively to control João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) while Tom Pidcock and Jai Hindley animated the finale. With the Dane’s GC lead at 50 seconds heading into the crucial Valladolid time trial, the red jersey battle remains finely poised. We break down Pellizzari’s breakout victory, Vingegaard’s cautious tactics, Almeida’s struggles, and what it all means for the final showdown.

After the Angliru stage there was a second mountain stage on the menu. UAE Team Emirates gained their 7th win of the race with Marc Soler and Vingegaard was able to edge out Joao Almeida for second place. Thereby extending his lead in the GC.

On the potentially hardest stage of the Vuelta it was a duel between Visma and UAE with it becoming a battle between Vingegaard and Almeida no acceleration more a diesel performance.

The big news hit on the Vuelta Rest Day when Juan Ayuso and UAE Team Emirates will be parting ways after the 2025 season despite having a contract until 2028. Visma Lease A Bike busy signing new riders including Timo Kelich and Filippo Fiorelli. While Alpecin Deceuninck are losing more key riders with Quinten Hermans and Gianni Vermeesch seeking out other opportunities.

In this week’s transfer round-up, the market is heating up with some huge storylines developing across the peloton.We start with Derek Gee, whose contract situation at Israel-Premier Tech has taken a shocking twist. After his breakthrough in 2023 and consistency this season, his deal has reportedly been torn up, leaving the Canadian suddenly a free agent. Where could he land next – and how much of a blow is this for IPT?

Next, we dive into the ongoing saga around Juan Ayuso. Despite his long-term contract at UAE Team Emirates, rumours are swirling that he could be tempted away, with Lidl–Trek emerging as a possible destination. What would this mean for UAE’s GC hierarchy, and could Trek really pull it off?Meanwhile, Q36.5 are making waves in the market. The ambitious ProTeam have snapped up Chris Harper, Eddie Dunbar, and Fred Wright, adding serious firepower and versatility to their roster. Could this be the start of them knocking on the door of WorldTour status?Over at Visma | Lease a Bike, we’ve got the arrival of young talent Anton Schiffer, a signing that points toward their continued focus on youth development. Can he be the next big name to rise through their system?And finally, the big transfer rumour of the week: Biniam Girmay potentially heading to UAE Team Emirates. With Sebastián Molano linked to a move to Movistar, the Eritrean star could slot in as UAE’s new sprint weapon. How would Girmay fit into a squad already stacked with GC contenders and classics specialists?

00:00 Intro 00:20 Derek Gee Terminates Contract at Israel Premier Tech. But why?08:02 Juan Ayuso Allowed to Leave UAE? 14:25 Q36.5 Spending On Many Transfers 17:23 Soudal Quickstep Transfers 17:55 Jayco Alula Sign Dris De Bondt and Filippo Conca18:24 Lidl Trek Sign Another Dane 19:17 Visma Lease A Bike Sign Surprise Rider19:59 Biniam Girmay Going to UAE Team Emirates Or Ineos?20:54 Best Transfer OF the Week?

The Vuelta had another exciting uphill finish with Jonas Vingegaard and Mads Pedersen being in the pointy end but it was David Gaudu who got the better of both Danes and won the stage in a dramatic finish.

On the second day in the Vuelta in Italy - Jonas Vingegaard was caught up in a crash that involved many other riders but in the hard test to the finish it was the Dane who got his first win since Volta ao Algarve in the time trial and Giulio Ciccone finished in second place.

On the opening stage in Italy for La Vuelta it was a pretty simple sprint stage with Alpecin coming out on top as Jasper Philipsen won in front of the best sprinters in the race taking his second opening stage of a grandtour this year.

One of the most competitive Tour de L'Avenir will feature a long list of favourites including Paul Seixas for France, Jarno Widar for Belgium, Lorenzo Finn for Italy, Pablo Torres for Spain, Jorgen Nordhagen for Norway and Peter Oxenberg Hansen for Denmark but who will be the best rider in 2025?