Filippo Ganna delivered a blistering performance to win stage 18 of the Vuelta a España, a 12.2km individual time trial held in Valladolid. The Italian time-trial powerhouse claimed victory with a time of 13 minutes, repeating his success in the same city two years ago.
The stage had been shortened from the originally scheduled 27.2km route due to safety concerns, with organisers aiming to ensure greater protection after recent disruptions caused by protests. Despite the unusual adjustment, Ganna adapted seamlessly, riding aggressively in the final section to secure another memorable Grand Tour win.
Australian rider Jay Vine of UAE Team Emirates-XRG came agonisingly close to denying Ganna, finishing just one second slower. His teammate João Almeida delivered a strong ride to take third, seven seconds back, and in doing so gained 10 crucial seconds on overall race leader Jonas Vingegaard.
The general classification battle remains finely poised heading into the final days. Almeida’s effort cut his deficit to 40 seconds behind Vingegaard, setting up a tense showdown. The Danish two-time Tour de France winner, though still in the lead, faces mounting pressure as the terrain shifts back to the mountains, where Almeida and other rivals may look to test his resilience.
Ganna, known for his ability against the clock, expressed satisfaction with his performance. Having started early, he endured a nervous wait as the favourites rolled out, but none managed to eclipse his benchmark. The victory reinforced his reputation as one of the sport’s most dominant time-trialists and provided a boost for Ineos Grenadiers in a race where overall ambitions have already slipped away.
With just a handful of stages remaining, the 2025 Vuelta is set for a dramatic conclusion. Almeida’s renewed challenge to Vingegaard adds intrigue, while riders like Vine continue to showcase their form. For Ganna, the Valladolid triumph once again highlighted his mastery of the discipline and delivered another chapter in his growing Grand Tour legacy.
