The Annual Vuelta a España 2025 is set to start soon, a unique event of such level in the Middle East, included in the busy sports events program.
According to the latest version, the Annual Vuelta a España will be a venue for the strongest competition among the leading cyclists in the world. Among the favorites are four participants who have already claimed titles or stood on podiums of honor. Among them are UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogačar from Slovenia, Belgian Linar Van Aert (Team Lotto), Belgian Tim Merlier (Quick-Step), and Dutch Olav Kooij (Vizma Fly Bike).
Over the past six releases of the Vuelta a España, various riders have won five times, including Tadej Pogačar from UAE Team Emirates. The first Vuelta was won in 2019 by Slovenian Primož Roglič (Team Jumbo-Visma, now Red Bull), then in 2020, British Adam Yates from UAE Team Emirates became the winner. In the last two years, the champion has once again been Tadej Pogačar, and in 2023 - Belgian Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step), who will not be able to participate due to injury. Last year, the title was held by Linar Van Aert (Team Lotto).
Tadej Pogačar returns to the competition for the title after a break since he won the Vuelta a España in 2022, supported by his previous season's achievements, becoming the world champion with UAE Team Emirates and also winning the title of best rider in the world for the fourth consecutive time.
Linar Van Aert, the defending champion, will enter the race for victory, considering his recent win in 2024, when he led the overall classification in the tour of China.
Dutch Olav Kooij from Vizma Fly Bike returns to compete after winning the fourth stage of the Tour of Oman, which just concluded, and after his win in the fifth stage before the upcoming Vuelta a España. Belgian Tim Merlier (Quick-Step), who set a record last year, hopes to win three stages in one version of the race and is now ready to fight for the title this year after his successes in the Tour of Oman and on the Koralivska road in Saudi Arabia.
