For the first time in its history, the Vuelta a España will start in Italy — with the region of Piedmont set to host the opening four stages of the 2025 edition. From 23 to 26 August, Piedmont will take the spotlight on the international cycling calendar, welcoming top athletes, passionate fans and global media to its roads, towns and alpine passes.
What is the Vuelta a España?
The Vuelta a España is one of the three prestigious Grand Tours in professional road cycling, alongside the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. Held annually between late August and mid-September, it typically covers a variety of terrains across Spain, and occasionally ventures into neighbouring countries.
This three-week race features around 20 stages, ranging from flat sprints to mountainous climbs and time trials. The world’s best professional cyclists compete for the coveted red jersey, awarded to the leader of the general classification.
Vuelta a España 2025: Italian route highlights
The Italian leg of the Vuelta 2025 will cross 137 municipalities in Piedmont and pass through five provinces — combining cultural landmarks, picturesque towns and spectacular scenery. Starting in Venaria Reale near Turin and ending in Voiron, France, these four stages promise a mix of fast-paced action and dramatic climbs.
The cities and towns along the route
The decision to launch the Vuelta a España 2025 in Italy marks a historic moment — not only for the race itself but also for Piedmont, which will become the heart of professional cycling for four days in August.
Stage overview: dates, routes and distances
Here is a full breakdown of the four Vuelta a España 2025 stages taking place in Italy:
| Stage | Date | Route | Provinces Crossed | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 23 August 2025 | Venaria Reale (Turin) – Novara | Turin, Biella, Vercelli, Novara | 183 km |
| Stage 2 | 24 August 2025 | Alba – Limone Piemonte | Cuneo | 157 km |
| Stage 3 | 25 August 2025 | San Maurizio Canavese – Ceres | Turin | 139 km |
| Stage 4 | 26 August 2025 | Susa – Voiron (France) | Turin (36 km in Italy), then France | 192.1 km total |
Stage details and scenic highlights
Each stage of the Vuelta 2025 in Piedmont brings its own distinctive challenges and charm, showcasing the region’s rich diversity in landscape and heritage.
Stage 1 – Venaria Reale to Novara (183 km)
This mostly flat stage is ideal for sprinters. Riders will pass through the scenic plains and gentle hills of northern Piedmont, including iconic towns like Venaria Reale and Novara. Expect a fast-paced finish with excellent sprint potential.
Stage 2 – Alba to Limone Piemonte (157 km)
The first serious climbing test of the race, Stage 2 features a mountain-top finish in Limone Piemonte. Riders will tackle rolling hills and challenging climbs through famous wine-producing towns like Alba (in the Langhe), Bra, Savigliano, Saluzzo and Cuneo.
Stage 3 – San Maurizio Canavese to Ceres (139 km)
This stage offers a varied mix of flat sections and mountain terrain, climbing through Canavese and the Lanzo Valleys. The summit finish in Ceres will favour climbers who thrive in unpredictable, technical stages.
Stage 4 – Susa to Voiron (192.1 km)
The final Italian stage before the Vuelta crosses into France. Beginning in Susa, it features a breathtaking Alpine section through the Cottian Alps. The first 36 km of the stage take place in Piedmont before the race continues to Voiron, in the French department of Isère.
Where to watch the Vuelta a España 2025
Looking to follow the Vuelta 2025 live? Here’s how to watch the Italian and international stages of the race:
- In Spain: Live coverage will be available on La 1, Teledeporte, and via RTVE Play (streaming, also accessible with a VPN).
- Streaming worldwide: The entire race will be streamed on Eurosport and discovery+, which can be accessed through DAZN, TIMvision, or directly from discovery+.
- In Italy: There is currently no scheduled national free-to-air broadcast, but Spanish channels will provide free live coverage of all stages.
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