After a week of varied terrain and shifting race dynamics, stage 9 takes the peloton into the familiar mountains of La Rioja for a summit finish atop Valdezcaray. The 196km route from Alfaro is largely flat until the final climb, making it a day where a breakaway could succeed if managed well. For the general classification favourites, the final ascent will offer one last opportunity to gain time before the first rest day – though the gradients might not be selective enough to split them wide open.
2025 Vuelta a España stage 9 details
Date: Sunday 31st August
Distance: 196km
Start location: Alfaro
Finish location: Valdezcaray
Start time: 12:20 CEST
Finish time: 17:16 CEST
The stage leaves Alfaro, known for the towering San Miguel Collegiate Church and its population of white storks, and heads west through the sun-soaked Rioja Oriental region. While the route is classified as a mountain stage, there are no categorised climbs until the finish itself. An intermediate sprint in Santo Domingo de la Calzada comes after 165.5km, offering bonus seconds that could tempt a few GC riders or sprinters from the break.
The road then rises gradually towards the Valdezcaray ski resort. The climb totals 13.2km at 5% average gradient and is front-loaded with the steepest ramps early on. As the road levels out near the top, pure climbers might find it hard to break clear unless they go long. Valdezcaray has been used multiple times in the Vuelta, though often in uphill time trials. Sean Kelly, Pedro Delgado and Simon Clarke are among past winners here, but it rarely produces large time gaps in road stages.
Contenders
This is a good chance for the puncheurs and lighter GC contenders to take a win from the peloton. Giulio Ciccone has the kind of explosive power suited to this finish and could be given some freedom. UAE Team Emirates have multiple options, with Juan Ayuso and Jay Vine both capable of winning if it stays together. Jonas Vingegaard will be watched closely but may wait for more decisive days.
David Gaudu and Tom Pidcock are others to watch if things stay cagey among the big names. From Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari could make moves late, while Egan Bernal continues to build form for Ineos Grenadiers. Matteo Jorgenson and Sepp Kuss are also solid picks if Visma-Lease a Bike go on the offensive.
Should a breakaway make it, expect to see the likes of Finn Fisher-Black, Pablo Castrillo, Bruno Armirail, Carlos Verona and Lorenzo Fortunato pushing for stage glory. All have shown strength this season on rolling terrain and long climbs with manageable gradients.
Photo Credit: GettyPrediction
Giulio Ciccone to win stage 9. The finish suits his punch, and he’ll be motivated to make a mark before the first rest day.
