Vuelta a España 2025: Preview stage 2: First endurance test for classification riders

The most important information about stage 2 of the Vuelta a España 2025

• Sunday, 24 August: Alba - Limone Piemonte
• Length: 159.6 kilometres (flat with final ascent)
• Altitude metres: 1884
• Sharp start: ~13:53-13:55
• Arrival at the finish: ~17:21-17:40
• TV broadcast: 13:25-18:00 Eurosport 1
• Live stream: Discovery Plus (fee required)
• All stages of the Vuelta a España 2025 at a glance
• The start list
• To the Vuelta live ticker

Route of the 2nd stage of the Tour of Spain 2025

The majority of the route runs over flat or slightly uphill terrain. From Alba, the route leads through the Piedmontese countryside towards the Alps. The riders will be travelling on mostly flat and occasionally slightly uphill roads before reaching Limone Piemonte. This profile favours a controlled ride for the peloton, with the teams of classification riders likely to set the pace.

The highlight of the stage is undoubtedly the final ascent to the Limone 1400 ski resort. After passing the Alpine town of Limone Piemonte, the only challenge of the day begins. The climb stretches over 9.8 kilometres and has an average gradient of 5.1 per cent. The steepest ramp is found on the last kilometre at around ten per cent. Although it is not one of the most difficult climbs of the Vuelta, it could still provide the first time gaps in the overall classification.

Limone 1400 is no stranger to cycling: Stefano Garzelli celebrated a stage win here at the 2002 Giro d'Italia when he defeated Santiago Pérez, Gilberto Simoni and Francesco Casagrande in a sprint. The history of this climb shows that it can make for exciting race decisions, even if it is not one of the most notorious mountain top finishes.

Sporting assessment of stage 2 of the Vuelta a España 2025

The final climb to Limone 1400 is predestined for explosive classification riders and punchy specialists. At 9.8 kilometres with a gradient of 5.1 per cent, the climb is not selective enough to favour the pure climbers, but offers enough terrain for the first attacks by the general classification riders. Breakaway groups could also look for their chance, as the general classification teams may not yet be ready to take full control. However, it is likely that the favourites for the overall victory will already want to make their mark and their teams will control the breakaway groups. The battle for the overall leader's red jersey could already be in full swing here, as the time gaps after the first day are probably still small.