Overview of Stage 17 in the Vuelta a España 2025
As the third week of the Vuelta a España 2025 continues, the race is shaping up for an exciting and challenging stage. Wednesday’s stage 17 promises to be a mix of traditional racing with a new and formidable climb that could change the dynamics of the overall standings. The route from O Barco de Valdeorras to the summit of the Alto de El Morredero spans 143.2 kilometers, offering a relatively straightforward path before the final ascent.
This stage is expected to be a battleground for breakaways, as there are no major obstacles except for the intermediate sprint at the Paso de las Traviesas. This climb, which averages 4.1 percent, is not particularly difficult and should allow most riders to compete. For Mads Pedersen, the green jersey wearer, this could be a good opportunity to secure points without being too involved in the main race.
The New Challenge: Alto de El Morredero
The Alto de El Morredero is a brand-new climb in the Vuelta, never before included in a professional cycling race. Riders will tackle it from its steepest side, covering 8.8 kilometers with an average gradient of 9.7 percent. The first five kilometers are especially brutal, with gradients reaching up to 16 percent. After that, the climb eases slightly but remains steep, ranging between 6.9 and 8.5 percent until the summit.
This terrain is ideal for creating gaps and testing the endurance of the peloton. It's a perfect setup for a dramatic finish, where the strongest climbers could make their mark. The summit, located at a former ski resort, is expected to be cold and potentially cloudy, adding another layer of challenge for the riders.
Key Climbs and Timing
- Paso de las Traviesas: 75.1 km, 7.8 km at 4.1%
- Alto de El Morredero: 143.2 km, 8.8 km at 9.7%
The stage starts at 1:41 PM local time (7:41 AM Eastern Time) and is expected to finish around 5:10 PM local time (11:10 AM Eastern Time). The weather forecast suggests clouds and rain at the start, with temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. By the finale, the sun should appear, pushing temperatures toward 22 degrees. However, at the top of the Alto de El Morredero, it will be significantly cooler, with possible clouds and drizzle.
Favorite Contenders for Stage 17
With the GC battle heating up, stage 17 could be a pivotal moment for several riders. Jonas Vingegaard of Visma | Lease a Bike and João Almeida of UAE Team Emirates-XRG are the top favorites, with their rivalry expected to dominate the race. Other contenders include Tom Pidcock of Q36.5, who showed strong form on Tuesday, and Egan Bernal of INEOS Grenadiers, who could make a move for the stage win and possibly the overall standings.
Riders like Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari from Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, Matthew Riccitello of Israel-Premier Tech, and Mikel Landa of Soudal-Quick Step are also in contention. Teams like UAE Team Emirates-XRG have been active in breakaways, with Marc Soler, Jay Vine, and Juan Ayuso all having taken stage wins previously.
Long Shots and Potential Surprises
While the main favorites are clear, several long shots could make an impact. Felix Gall of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Eddie Dunbar of Jayco-AlUla, Johannes Staune-Mittet of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Santiago Buitrago and Antonio Tiberi of Bahrain Victorious, and Clément Braz Afonso and Brieuc Rolland of Groupama-FDJ are all potential dark horses.
This stage offers a mix of strategy, endurance, and strength, making it one of the most anticipated of the Vuelta a España 2025. Whether it's a showdown between the leaders or a breakaway success, stage 17 promises to deliver thrilling action.
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