A loop around Bilbao awaits on stage 11, with a 157km route that piles up the climbing metres across a series of short, punchy ascents. This is terrain that favours opportunists and classics-style climbers rather than pure GC contenders, though a late move could still shake the overall picture. The route includes two ascents of the Alto del Vivero and a sting in the tail in the form of Alto del Pike just 8km from the finish. On paper, it’s a day for the breakaway – but the gradients and timing of the climbs may tempt some of the favourites to test each other.
2025 Vuelta a España stage 11 details
Date: Wednesday 3rd September
Distance: 157km
Start location: Bilbao
Finish location: Bilbao
Start time: 13:30 CEST
Finish time: 17:20 CEST
Bilbao has become a regular stop for the Vuelta in recent years, and this latest visit sees the race wind its way in and out of the Basque hills before finishing back in the city. The climbs begin early and come at regular intervals, with little chance for the bunch to settle. The Alto del Vivero features twice – a 4.2km climb averaging 8.3% – but the most decisive test may be the Alto del Pike, just 8km from the line. This short ascent of 2.3km at 8.9% was used during the 2023 Tour de France Grand Départ and splintered the bunch into pieces.
Whether the GC riders make their move or not, this profile looks ideal for aggressive climbers who can handle repeated efforts. It’s a reduced bunch or a strong break that will decide the stage – the challenge is predicting which.
Photo Credit: GettyContenders
There’s little doubt this stage suits the punchier climbers. Tom Pidcock looks to be building into the race and has been increasingly visible on the uphill finishes. The gradients here are sharp enough to play to his strengths, and he could either go from the GC group or force his way into the break.
Jonas Vingegaard may prefer to sit tight and defend his lead, but if anyone does go, he’ll need to follow. João Almeida and David Gaudu are other GC names to watch if the action lights up late on. Gaudu, in particular, has already shown he can win from a select group, and the Pike climb will suit him well.
Photo Credit: GettyGiulio Ciccone and Mads Pedersen give Lidl-Trek multiple options. If it’s selective enough, Pedersen could sprint from a reduced group, while Ciccone has the freedom to either mark moves or join the break. Julien Bernard is another Trek card who could get up the road.
Others to watch in the break include Bruno Armirail, Pablo Castrillo, Javier Romo, Eddie Dunbar, Filippo Ganna, and Stefan Küng. Most of the sprinters will simply be trying to survive – it’s hard to see the likes of Jasper Philipsen, Ethan Vernon or Jake Stewart being involved in the final here.
Prediction
Tom Pidcock to win stage 11. The repeated climbs and sharp finale around Bilbao are right in his wheelhouse, and he’ll have the freedom to go for it on this unpredictable day.
