From the rolling vineyards of Alba to the dramatic climb of Limone Piemonte, Stage 2 of the 2025 Vuelta a España promises a showstopper right from the get-go—a perfect blend of strategy, stamina, and suspense.
Stage 2 unfolds over 159.6 km, beginning in Alba and culminating atop Limone Piemonte, marking the race’s first summit finish and introducing real General Classification drama early on. It’s mostly flat terrain until the 9.8-kilometer ascent, which averages around 5.1%, but ratchets up with punishing ramps exceeding 8–10% in the final kilometers. Positioned strategically, there’s an intermediate sprint in Busca, and time bonuses are up for grabs near the finish.
Climbers and punchy riders—think Vingegaard, Ciccone, Pidcock, and others—face a choice: seize the moment on a decisive punchy climb or hang back and wait for later battles. Some contenders might prefer to bide their time, mindful that Stage 5’s team time-trial could shift the leader’s jersey again.
Stage 2 is more than a warm-up—it’s the first real test of climbing legs and tactical acumen. Keep an eye on who dares to attack on that final ramp: this stage could quietly turn the GC on its head and set early markers for those chasing the red jersey.
