North American Cyclists Prepare for 2025 Vuelta a España
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Torino, Italy – A contingent of eight North American cyclists will begin competition this weekend in the 80th edition of the Vuelta a España, seeking to make a notable impact on the season’s final grand tour. The field includes six Americans and two Canadians, each bringing a unique blend of ambition, fitness, and motivation to the challenging three-week race.
Rider Lineup and National portrayal
The United States boasts a strong roster featuring Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers),Matthew riccitello (Israel-Premier Tech),Sean quinn (EF Education-EasyPost),kevin Vermaerke (Picnic-PostNL),Matteo Jorgenson,and Sepp Kuss (both Visma-lease a Bike). Representing Canada are Pier-André Côté (Israel Premier Tech) and Nickolas Zukowsky (Q36.5 Pro Cycling). This marks an increase from the 2025 tour de France, which featured five Americans and two Canadians.
The 2025 Vuelta route begins in Italy, traverses sections of france and Andorra, and culminates on September 14 in madrid. The varied terrain promises a test of endurance, climbing prowess, and tactical acumen for all competitors.
General Classification Contenders
The Vuelta a España has historically been a favorable proving ground for American cyclists, with Chris Horner (2013) and Sepp Kuss (2023) recently claiming overall victories.
Did You Know?
Sepp Kuss’s 2023 Vuelta win was a landmark achievement, marking only the second time an American had won a grand Tour in over three decades.
While Isaac del Toro (UAE Emirates-XRG) will not participate due to team policy limiting grand tour appearances for riders under 25, the absence of Derek Gee (also previously considered a contender) due to a late withdrawal leaves Jorgenson as a potential podium finisher. Jorgenson, having recovered from a recent chest cold, possesses a strong track record, including two victories at Paris-Nice and a second-place finish at the 2024 Dauphiné.
Kuss, the 2023 champion, is expected to primarily support team leader Jonas Vingegaard this year, potentially seeking stage wins once Vingegaard establishes a commanding lead in the general classification.
Stage Hunting prospects
Several North American riders will be targeting stage victories throughout the Vuelta. Sheffield, Jorgenson, Vermaerke, and Zukowsky will all be making their Vuelta debuts, while Côté will be contesting his first grand tour. Zukowsky aims to improve upon a challenging debut at the Giro d’Italia, where a crash forced his withdrawal.
Riccitello returns for a second attempt,hoping to overcome a crash that derailed his general classification ambitions last year. Quinn, after overcoming a period sidelined by injury, is eager to contend for a stage win.
Pro Tip:
Grand Tour stage wins ofen come down to tactical positioning and explosive power in the final kilometers, requiring riders to be both attentive and physically prepared.
The most recent U.S. stage winner was Brandon McNulty, who claimed victory in the opening time trial of the 2024 Vuelta. Michael Woods secured a stage win for Canada in the same edition.
| Rider | nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|
| magnus Sheffield | American | Ineos grenadiers |
| Matthew riccitello | American | Israel-Premier Tech |
| Sean Quinn | American | EF Education-EasyPost |
| Kevin Vermaerke | American | Picnic-PostNL |
| Matteo Jorgenson | American | Visma-Lease a Bike |
| Sepp Kuss | American | Visma-Lease a Bike |
| Pier-André Côté | Canadian | Israel Premier Tech |
| Nickolas Zukowsky | Canadian | Q36.5 Pro Cycling |
What strategies do you think will be most effective for North American riders in this year’s Vuelta? And which rider has the best chance of securing a stage win?
The official La Vuelta squad for Visma-LAB is here:
Jonas Vingegaard
Matteo Jorgenson
Sepp kiss
Victor Campenaerts
Dylan van Baarle
Wilco Kelderman
Ben
Axel Zingle pic.twitter.com/Wn3ZBlmXEp– #TeamVingegaard (@vingeupdates) August 18, 2025
The Vuelta a España, traditionally held in late August and September, consistently draws a competitive field of cyclists eager to showcase their abilities. The race’s challenging mountainous terrain and passionate Spanish fans create a unique atmosphere. Recent trends indicate a growing emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency and data-driven training, influencing team strategies and rider preparation. The Vuelta frequently enough serves as a crucial stepping stone for riders aiming to peak at the UCI Road World championships held later in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the vuelta a españa? The Vuelta a España is a multi-stage bicycle race held annually in Spain, and is one of cycling’s three Grand Tours.
- How many North Americans are competing in the 2025 Vuelta? Eight North American cyclists – six from the United States and two from Canada – will participate.
- Who are the key contenders for the overall victory? While Jonas Vingegaard is a favorite, Matteo Jorgenson is considered a potential podium contender.
- What is the significance of the Vuelta for American cyclists? The vuelta has been a accomplished race for American riders, with recent overall victories by Chris Horner and Sepp Kuss.
- What makes the Vuelta a España unique? The Vuelta is known for its challenging mountainous stages and passionate Spanish fans.
We hope you enjoyed this preview of the 2025 Vuelta a españa! Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for extensive coverage throughout the race. Don’t hesitate to share this article with fellow cycling enthusiasts and join the conversation in the comments below. consider subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights.