Stage 20 delivers the final GC showdown of the 2025 Vuelta a España, with a mountainous 166km route from Robledo de Chavela to the infamous summit of Bola del Mundo. The total climbing tally hits 4,226m, and while the earlier climbs will sap the legs, it’s the final 3km that will settle the race – a rough, concrete track that rises above 2,200m with gradients of up to 20%. After three weeks of attritional racing, this penultimate stage will leave no hiding place for the red jersey contenders.
2025 Vuelta a España stage 20 details
Date: Saturday 13th September
Distance: 166km
Start location: Robledo de Chavela
Finish location: Bola del Mundo
Start time: 13:00 CEST
Finish time: 17:17 CEST
The day opens with two category 3 climbs and the category 2 Alto del León, before things start to ramp up. The Puerto de Navacerrada is climbed twice – first from the steeper northern side, then again as part of the final climb to Bola del Mundo. The last few kilometres are among the hardest of the whole race, with a narrow, broken concrete road zig-zagging to the summit in a fitting final test for the red jersey contenders.
The climb was last used in 2012 and is infamous for its steepness and altitude. Joaquim Rodríguez once described it as harder than the Angliru, not because of gradient alone, but due to the unpredictable surface and difficulty finding rhythm. Add in the altitude and fatigue, and the time gaps could be significant.
Photo Credit: GettyContenders
All eyes will be on Jonas Vingegaard and João Almeida. The two have been closely matched throughout the race, but Vingegaard remains in red with just 44 seconds in hand. With one final chance to change the standings, UAE Team Emirates-XRG are expected to go all-in for Almeida. Support from Jay Vine, Juan Ayuso and Marc Soler could be crucial if UAE choose to light up the stage early.
Tom Pidcock holds third overall, but will face pressure from Jai Hindley, who trails by just 39 seconds. The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider may benefit from having Giulio Pellizzari alongside him, who sits fifth overall and already has a mountain stage win to his name.
Photo Credit: GettyOther top-10 riders who could feature include Sepp Kuss, Felix Gall and Matthew Riccitello. Matteo Jorgenson will be key for Vingegaard, especially in the early moves before the final climb.
The breakaway could still have its say. Egan Bernal, Giulio Ciccone, Mikel Landa, Santiago Buitrago, Bruno Armirail, Marco Frigo and Kevin Vermaerke are all strong climbers capable of winning from a long-range move – if the GC battle allows it.
Prediction
Jonas Vingegaard to win stage 20 and seal overall victory at the Vuelta. The profile suits his strengths, and with one last chance to put a stamp on the race, expect him to rise to the occasion.
