The official route for the 2025 Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es has been revealed, confirming a prestigious start in Barcelona and the most challenging final stage ever seen in the race’s 11-year history. Running from 4th to 10th May, the peloton will face a total of 748 kilometres, culminating in a decisive mountain battle on the daunting climb of Cotobello in Asturias.
This edition will be slightly shorter than last year’s race—down by one stage and 120 km—but organisers have compensated by delivering an intense route packed with varied terrain, ample opportunities for sprinters, breakaway specialists, and decisive days for the climbers.
2025 Vuelta Femenina Route Map
Iconic Vuelta Femenina opener in cycling-mad Barcelona
For the third year in a row, the Vuelta Femenina opens with a team time trial, set against the spectacular backdrop of Antoni Gaudí’s famed Casa Milà in Barcelona. The flat, 8 km course weaves through the city’s historic streets, showcasing its landmarks and promising a thrilling opening battle for the coveted first red leader’s jersey.
The organisers highlighted Barcelona’s growing status as a cycling capital, noting that the Catalan city previously hosted the opening stage of the men’s Vuelta a España in 2023 and will host the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2026.
Early battles: wind, sprints, and breakaways
Stages two to four traverse northern Spain, moving westwards through Catalunya and Aragón, with routes offering diverse challenges:
- Stage 2 (99 km): Molins de Rei to Sant Boi de Llobregat
Includes an early category-two climb that could encourage early attacks, though the short distance likely suits the sprinters. - Stage 3 (132 km, Barbastro to Huesca) poses a real threat of crosswinds, which organisers anticipate could split the peloton, favouring strong and tactically aware teams.
- Stage 4 (111 km, Pedrola to Borja) introduces the first notable climbing test, featuring two category-two ascents, Moncayo and Puerto El Buste. With the latter cresting close to the finish, a stage victory for breakaway specialists or punchy riders seems likely.
First major climbing challenge at Lagunas de Neila
The general classification battle intensifies sharply on stage five, as the riders tackle a decisive mountain-top finish at the Lagunas de Neila. This category-one climb, renowned as the traditional finale of the Vuelta a Burgos, will likely define the early contenders for overall victory.
A flatter profile on stage six from Becerril de Campos to Baltanás provides a brief respite for GC riders. However, the potential for crosswinds remains, adding a layer of complexity on what might otherwise appear a straightforward day.
A decisive finish: hardest ever finale at Cotobello
The 2025 Vuelta concludes with a gruelling final day—the toughest stage ever, according to organisers. This queen stage, spanning 152 kilometres from La Robla to the summit of Cotobello in Asturias, features over 2,500 metres of elevation gain. Riders will have to navigate three critical climbs:
- Alto de la Colladona (category-two)
- Alto de la Colladiella (category-one)
- Cotobello (category-one): A punishing 10 km ascent averaging 8.3%, with sections as steep as 14.5%.
The overall title will undoubtedly be decided on this final climb, returning to a thrilling mountaintop conclusion after a demanding day in the saddle.
2025 Vuelta Femenina Stage Profiles
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
Stage 6
Stage 7
Demi Vollering expected to defend her title
Demi Vollering, last year’s winner, ahead of Riejanne Markus and Elisa Longo Borghini, is expected to defend her title, now riding for FDJ-Suez after her transfer from SD Worx-Protime. The Dutch rider will undoubtedly target the brutal final climb to assert her dominance once again.
In their announcement, organisers stated:
“From the Mediterranean to the Asturian mountains, from the big cities to the small towns that make up our territory, we will cover Spain’s geography in order to continue enjoying the best cyclists, to continue growing and, above all, to continue writing the history of our race.”
Full 2025 Vuelta Femenina race programme
- Stage 1 (Sunday 4th May): Barcelona – Barcelona, Team Time Trial, 8 km
- Stage 2 (Monday 5th May): Molins de Rei – Sant Boi de Llobregat, 99 km
- Stage 3 (Tuesday 6th May): Barbastro – Huesca, 132 km
- Stage 4 (Wednesday 7th May): Pedrola – Borja, 111 km
- Stage 5 (Thursday 8th May): Golmayo – Lagunas de Neila, 120 km
- Stage 6 (Friday 9th May): Becerril de Campos – Baltanás, 126 km
- Stage 7 (Saturday 10th May): La Robla – Cotobello, Asturias, 152 km
