Stage five of the 2025 Vuelta a España brings the peloton into Spain for the first time, and it does so with a test against the clock. The 24.1km team time trial in Figueres, home to Salvador Dalí, promises to reshape the general classification after four opening stages in Italy and France. With 22 riders separated by just 16 seconds, this discipline offers the first real opportunity to create meaningful gaps.
2025 Vuelta a España stage 5 details
Date: Wednesday, 27th August
Distance: 24.1km (team time trial)
Start: Figueres
Finish: Figueres
Start time: 16:37 CEST
Estimated finish: 18:30 CEST
For a town so strongly associated with surrealism, Figueres presents a setting filled with contrasts. Dalí’s hometown is famous for blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination, but the precision of a team time trial leaves no room for artistic licence. Every pedal stroke is measured, every rotation rehearsed, every second fought for.
Unlike many Grand Tours where TTTs open proceedings, this one arrives on stage five, making it far less predictable. Teams have already endured four challenging stages, including a summit finish, and several squads are already down riders after crashes and withdrawals. That alone adds a layer of complexity to a discipline where depth and cohesion are vital.
At 24.1km, the Figueres course is longer than recent Vuelta team time trials, meaning the impact on the general classification should be significant. The route is almost entirely flat and fast, favouring teams stacked with powerful rouleurs, but the threat of crosswinds or rain could still complicate matters. With time gaps small and ambitions high, this stage could redefine the early hierarchy of the race.
Contenders
Visma | Lease a Bike start as the favourites. Even without Edoardo Affini or Wout van Aert, they bring a formidable squad featuring Jonas Vingegaard, Dylan van Baarle, Matteo Jorgenson, Wilco Kelderman and Victor Campenaerts. Losing Axel Zingle after his stage two crash is a setback, but the team’s strength over flat terrain still makes them the benchmark.
Groupama-FDJ will aim to defend David Gaudu’s red jersey. With Stefan Küng and Rémi Cavagna providing serious power, they are well-equipped to limit losses or even challenge for the win if their execution is flawless.
Ineos Grenadiers also look dangerous. Filippo Ganna is the standout engine here, but Magnus Sheffield, Ben Turner, Michał Kwiatkowski and Bob Jungels make this one of the most balanced time trial units in the field. Protecting Egan Bernal’s promising GC position will be their priority, but they have the firepower to chase the stage as well.
UAE Team Emirates arrive with a strong all-round line-up. João Almeida and Juan Ayuso are backed by TT specialists Mikkel Bjerg, Jay Vine, Felix Großschartner and Ivo Oliveira, giving them one of the most complete rosters for a day like this. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe also have depth, pairing GC hopefuls Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari with Matteo Sobrero, Tim van Dijke, Giovanni Aleotti and Finn Fisher-Black.
Lidl-Trek bring Mads Pedersen, Søren Kragh Andersen, Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier and Daan Hoole, a quartet capable of powering them into contention. Jayco AlUla, meanwhile, have a history of performing well in TTTs and could spring a surprise if conditions suit.
Prediction
We think Visma | Lease a Bike will win the stage and take control of the general classification.
