Tom Pidcock is set to claim a career-defining podium finish at the Vuelta a España 2025 after surviving the brutal final mountain stage, while Jonas Vingegaard all but guaranteed overall victory with a commanding ride on the Bola del Mundo.
Pidcock entered the decisive 20th stage with a slender advantage over Jai Hindley, and despite the punishing gradients exceeding 20% on the climb to the summit, he held his nerve. The Yorkshireman crossed the line in fourth place, only a handful of seconds behind Hindley, ensuring his spot on the podium remains intact heading into Sunday’s processional finale in Madrid. He now sits 30 seconds clear of Hindley and more than three minutes behind overall leader Vingegaard.
For Pidcock, the result represents a significant breakthrough. The Olympic mountain bike champion and former cyclo-cross world champion has targeted stage wins in past Grand Tours, but this season marked his first full commitment to the general classification. His consistent performances across three relentless weeks have proven he belongs among cycling’s elite. Reflecting on the achievement, he admitted exhaustion but pride in what he described as the biggest performance of his career.
At the sharp end of the race, Vingegaard reinforced his dominance. Beginning the day with a 44-second lead over João Almeida, the Danish rider attacked in the final kilometre of the Bola del Mundo climb. Leaving Almeida behind, he stormed to the stage win, finishing ahead of his Visma-Lease a Bike teammate Sepp Kuss and Hindley. Almeida, unable to respond to the ferocious pace, conceded crucial time and slipped further back in the standings.
Vingegaard now holds a commanding lead of 1 minute 16 seconds going into the final stage. With Madrid traditionally serving as a ceremonial procession rather than a battleground for the general classification, his triumph is effectively assured. The victory adds another prestigious Grand Tour to his glittering palmarès and underscores his position as the rider to beat in modern cycling.
As the peloton rolls into the Spanish capital, Vingegaard’s red jersey will be secure, Hindley will settle for fourth, and Pidcock will stand proudly on the podium. For both the seasoned champion and the rising star, the Vuelta a España 2025 has delivered moments of grit, glory, and lasting significance.
