Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast Vuelta a España 2025 Recap
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Sep 15, 2025 In a lively recap of the 2025 Vuelta a España, hosts discuss key GC standings and standout performances, reflecting on how these races shape rider legacies. The tumultuous finale, marked by protests in Madrid, highlights the need for better organizational preparedness. Strategic team dynamics are examined, especially the balance of supporting leaders versus stage wins. Hear about the significant challenges climbers faced in stage 20 and the evolving ranking systems affecting team access. Lively discussions about political quirks and listener interactions add to the excitement!
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Stage Freedom Can Undermine GC Ambitions
- UAE's strategy gave many riders freedom to hunt stages, which diluted support for their GC leader João Almeida.
- Hosts argue stage-hunting energy can indirectly hurt a team's best GC chance when overused.
Almeida's Attritional Acceleration Limits
- Almeida's acceleration style is attritional rather than explosive, making him vulnerable to punchy, sudden attacks.
- Hosts conclude Almeida needs strong team pacing to set him up for his final-kilometre surges.
Week Three Confirmed Almeida's Limits
- Week three showed Almeida could beat Vingegaard on some days but lacked consistency on El Morredero and other decisive climbs.
- The shortened time trial likely reduced Almeida's late comeback chances, but may not have changed the overall winner.