Stage 12 travels inland from the coast through rolling northern terrain to a punchy finale on the slopes of Collada de Brenes. With a summit 22km from the finish and an open descent to the line in Los Corrales de Buelna, this 144.9km day is a classic Vuelta ambush stage – but with major GC days ahead, the early break could once again be given the freedom to decide it.
2025 Vuelta a España stage 12 details
Date: Thursday 4th September
Distance: 144.9km
Start location: Laredo
Finish location: Los Corrales de Buelna
Start time: 14:00 CEST
Finish time: 17:22 CEST
The peloton sets off from Laredo, a popular summer resort on the Cantabrian coast known for its vast sandy beach and the ornate flower-covered floats of its annual late-August parade. But there’s little time for sightseeing today. The riders head quickly inland and uphill, climbing the category 2 Puerto de Alisas just 33km into the stage. At 8.6km and averaging 5.8%, it’s not especially selective on its own, but it sets the tone for a day of elevation gain and false flats.
The profile flattens after Alisas, as the road meanders through the wooded interior valleys of Cantabria. But the true test comes late in the stage with the Collada de Brenes. This 7km climb averages 7.9% and was last used in 2022, where it caused a reshuffle in the red jersey group. Positioned 22km from the finish, it invites attacks – particularly from the breakaway – but the long descent and flat run-in may dissuade the GC contenders from burning matches here, especially with the Angliru and La Farrapona looming in the Asturian stages to follow.
It’s a short and unpredictable day that rewards risk-takers, whether in the early move or on the descent from Brenes.
Photo Credit: GettyContenders
While the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, João Almeida and Matteo Jorgenson will stay attentive, the top teams may prefer to keep their powder dry for the summit finishes to come. That increases the likelihood of a breakaway win – especially from a climber with a strong descending skillset and a punchy finish.
UAE Team Emirates could hedge their bets by sending either Juan Ayuso or Jay Vine up the road. Both have the legs to win from a reduced group and the freedom to move, depending on team tactics. Lidl-Trek’s Julien Bernard has featured in multiple moves already and remains a strong candidate, as does Bruno Armirail from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, and Movistar’s Javier Romo and Pablo Castrillo – two riders clearly motivated to perform on home terrain.
Also likely to try their hand are Harold Tejada, Kevin Vermaerke, Marco Frigo, Eddie Dunbar, and Louis Meintjes – all solid climbers with a nose for the break. But if Bahrain Victorious want to salvage something from this Vuelta, then Santiago Buitrago may well be their best option. The Colombian thrives on tough, punchy climbs and has already shown flashes of form earlier in the race.
Photo Credit: A.S.O./Tony EsnaultPrediction
We think Santiago Buitrago will win stage 12. The Collada de Brenes suits his style, and if he makes the break, he has the tools to go all the way.
