Bahrain Victorious Target GC Podium and Stage Wins at La Vuelta

# Bahrain Victorious Sets Sights on Success at La Vuelta 2025

**La Vuelta a España**, marking its 90th anniversary, is set to kick off in Italy for the first time in history, transforming the traditional landscape of the esteemed Grand Tour. Running from **August 23 to September 14**, cyclists will traverse **3,151 kilometers** through Italy, France, Andorra, and Spain, featuring dramatic climbs and varied terrains across **21 stages**.

Bahrain Victorious is gearing up for a competitive performance, especially eyeing the General Classification podium and stage victories, as they navigate a challenging route that demands both strength and strategy. Lead Sports Director Franco Pellizotti is optimistic about the team’s prospects and the unique opportunities this year’s course presents.

“We see in this stage an opportunity to strike immediately: to try to take a victory and wear the red jersey as well,” Pellizotti highlighted with respect to the early stages, specifically targeting Stage 2, which concludes with an uphill finish.

At the helm for Bahrain Victorious is **Antonio Tiberi**, a formidable 24-year-old Italian climber returning for his fourth La Vuelta. After facing setbacks last year due to heatstroke, Tiberi is eager to aim for the **GC podium** once again, stating, “The whole team believes in me, and that gives me a lot of confidence. I also trust my teammates, with whom I’ve worked very well in preparation for this race.”

The route is particularly favorable for climbers, with only four flat stages, including the climactic **Bola del Mundo** on Stage 20, which promises to be pivotal for those battling for the top positions as riders conquer nearly 55,000 meters of elevation gain. Tiberi has expressed determination, saying, “I’m focused on the General Classification, so I don’t have a specific stage where I want to go for the win. I will always be ready and attentive.”

As the team prepares for the opening stages in Italy, they will quickly transition to the high mountains of Andorra before heading to Spain. The significant **Team Time Trial** on Stage 5 could reshape the standings, leaving room for climbers to regain lost ground in subsequent mountain stages.

Cyclists such as Santiago Buitrago, who previously faced the **Angliru**, are also looking to capitalize on their knowledge of the demanding climbs. Buitrago remarked, “It’s the hardest climb I’ve done in my career… I recovered well after the Tour de France and my injuries, so I’m ready. The course suits climbers, and there are stages I’ve marked.”

With their well-rounded squad featuring both seasoned campaigners and promising debutants, Bahrain Victorious is prepared to tackle the numerous challenges of La Vuelta 2025. The final week is particularly crucial, with critical stages awaiting that could prove decisive in the battle for the championship.

As the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating race, Bahrain Victorious is poised to take center stage amid a roster of prominent competitors, including Vingegaard, Almeida, and Pedersen. With such high stakes, this edition of La Vuelta is set to be one of the most contested yet, echoing the essence of competitive cycling at its finest.