La Vuelta is always full of surprises, nothing is certain until the very last meter. Expect drama, as fortunes can flip in an instant, and new legends rise. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting into the sport, La Vuelta 2024 is set to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. 

When and Where 

The 2024 Tour of Spain, known as La Vuelta, kicks off on August 17th in Lisbon, Portugal, and concludes on September 8th in Madrid, Spain. The race begins with three stages in Portugal before crossing into Spain. Notable mountain stages include finishes at the Lagos de Covadonga, Picón Blanco, and Cuitu Negru. All featuring steep climbs characteristic of La Vuelta. 

The route starts with a 12-kilometer time trial from Lisbon to Oeiras. Followed by two hilly stages from Cascais to Ourém and Lousa to Castello Branco. Upon entering Spain, the race ventures into Extremadura, Andalusia, and then the Sierra Nevada. Thus challenging riders with a mix of steep climbs and descents. 

In the second week, the race shifts to northern Spain, including Galicia, with stages across hilly terrain and notable climbs like Puerto de Ancares and Cuitu Negru. The final week remains in northern Spain, with significant stages in the Basque Country and La Rioja before a tough mountain stage at Picón Blanco. The race ends in Madrid with an individual time trial, marking a departure from the usual city circuit finale. 

Red Jersey Showdown 

After the quick time trial on day one, which won’t shake things up too much but will create some time gaps, we’ll get our first real look at the top General Classification (GC) contenders in stage 4. This stage is set up for an intense fight for the red jersey. It’s still early in the three week race, so the big names might hold back a bit. However this stage could expose who needs to reconsider their goals in this year’s Vuelta. 

The GC battle will really start heating up in the second half of the second week. Stage 13 is where things get serious, with three mid-stage climbs leading to the brutal Puerto de Ancares. This final climb stretches 7.5 kilometers with an average gradient of 9.3%, and the last few kilometers push into double digits. If a rider loses contact here, they could lose valuable minutes. 

The race for the red jersey will be shaped by more brutal climbs. Stage 15 ends with the Cuitu Negru, an 18.9-kilometer climb that averages 7.4%. The incline varies, starting off relatively easy. However the final 3 kilometers are a grueling 13% grade all the way to the finish. 

After the second rest day, La Vuelta isn’t letting up. The most iconic stage throws two massive climbs at the riders before they hit the final ascent to the Lagos de Covadonga. This 12.5- kilometer climb might seem manageable with its 6.9% average gradient, but don’t be fooled. The first 7 kilometers are nearly 10%, followed by a roller coaster of short descents and ramps up to 16%. On the day of ‘Los Lagos,’ if a rider isn’t on top of their game, their red jersey dreams might be over. 

The Grand Finale 

If the GC contenders are still close in the standings heading into the last three days, we’re in for an epic finish. Stage 19 might look like a warm-up, but its final climb, the Alto de Moncalvillo, is anything but easy. This 8.6-kilometer climb averages 8.9%, with the second half reaching double-digit gradients. 

Stage 20 is the toughest of the entire Vuelta when it comes to elevation gain. Riders will face over 5,000 meters of climbing across 172 kilometers! Thus with the final climb up the Picón Blanco featuring 7.9 kilometers at a 9.1% gradient. Large sections of the climb will hit double digits, with the steepest part reaching a punishing 18%. 

While the mountain stages challenge riders with extreme gradients, the individual time trials (ITTs) are all about flat terrain. This is true both on the opening day and in the closing ITT. This is where the 24.6-kilometer course gains less than 200 meters in elevation. 

History 

La Vuelta a España, often called “La Vuelta,” is one of cycling’s most prestigious races, standing alongside the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. It all began in 1935, sparked by the success of those other races and organized by a Spanish newspaper eager to ride the wave of cycling’s popularity. Despite hitting some bumps with the Spanish Civil War and World War II, the race found its stride again by 1955, quickly gaining international recognition. Originally a springtime event, La Vuelta shifted to late summer in 1995, offering a fresh set of challenges that have made it a favorite among top cyclists. 

Today, La Vuelta is known for its punishing climbs and unpredictable stages, making it a true test of endurance. Iconic ascents like the Angliru and Covadonga have become legendary, and the red jersey worn by the race leader is one of the sport’s most coveted prizes. But La Vuelta is more than just a race, it’s a showcase of Spain’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Each year, the route winds through different regions, from rugged mountains to historic cities, making La Vuelta not just a thrilling competition but a celebration of everything Spain has to offer. 

Vuelta 2024 Talent 

Jumbo-Visma, now racing as Visma Lease a Bike, owned the 2023 Grand Tours, finishing the Vuelta with a complete sweep. Kuss in first, Vingegaard in second, and Roglic in third. But 2024 is shaping up to be a whole different beast. Thus promising way more action than last year’s race. Even outshining the drama we saw at this year’s Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. 

This year, there’s no obvious top dog for the Vuelta, though three-time winner Primoz Roglic has a slight upper hand. The twist? After last year’s Vuelta, where he played second fiddle to Kuss, Roglic switched teams to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. That move is sure to add some fireworks to the race! 

Roglic is one of only two riders heading into the 2024 Vuelta with a stage race win under his belt this year. He took home the trophy at the Critérium du Dauphiné in June. While Adam Yates claimed victory at the Tour de Suisse. Keep an eye on Yates, he’s definitely a strong contender.

Richard Carapaz had a tough time at the Tour de France after crashing out of the Tour de Suisse. However he still managed to wear the yellow jersey for a day and left with the polka dot jersey and a stage win. Carapaz is one of four Grand Tour winners in this year’s Vuelta. He won the Giro in 2019, while Egan Bernal took the Tour in 2019 and the Giro in 2021. Roglic, of course, boasts three Vuelta titles (2019, 2020, 2021) and added the Giro to his resume in 2023. And let’s not forget last year’s Vuelta champ, Sepp Kuss, who rounds out this elite group. 

2024 Vuelta a España Favorites 

Here are the favourites for the Vuelta 2024:

Primoz Roglic, Richard Carapaz, Adam Yates, Mikel Landa, Sepp Kuss, Carlos Rodriguez, João Almeida, Enric Mas, Mattias Skjelmose, Cian Uijtdebroeks as well as Aleksandr Vlasov. 

Wilco Kelderman, Giulio Ciccone, Egan Bernal, Daniel Felipe Martínez Steven Kruijswijk, Ben O’Connor, Lenny Martinez, David Gaudu as well as Einer Rubio 

With this star-studded lineup, the 2024 Vuelta is set to be a nail-biter. Whether it’s Roglic looking to make a statement with his new team or Kuss trying to defend his title. Thus each stage will be packed with excitement. 

Best Betting Sites for Vuelta 2024

As there are plenty of online betting sites out there we have shortlisted some of the best for you. Another great bookie to consider is the ever famous Hollywoodbets.

Other past races to read up about would be the Tour de France 2024 as well ass the Tour de France Femmes 2024.

Gear Up For The Action!

As we gear up for the Vuelta 2024, the excitement is undeniable. The anticipation of watching elite cyclists battle it out on Spain’s toughest terrains makes this event unmissable. With every pedal stroke and climb, the drama, the victories, and the stories that will unfold are sure to keep us on the edge of our seats. So, as we count down the days, let’s get ready to cheer, marvel, and be inspired by the sheer determination and skill on display. Here’s to an unforgettable Vuelta 2024, let the race begin! For more details on other sports this month have a look at our August 2024 Sport Preview.

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