It has been a decade since the Vuelta last finished with a time trial, Santiago Pérez winning in 2004 before it was later revealed he had been blood doping. It's even longer since Spain's national tour didn't finish in the capital. The last occasion was in 1993, when, perhaps not by coincidence, the Vuelta concluded with a time trial into Santiago de Compostela, Alex Zülle winning that day.
Race boss Guillén has evoked the 1989 Tour de France's final time trial into Paris when talking about this stage but it's very unlikely to have such a dramatic impact as that stage, primarily because it's less than half of the distance of that historic test. It'll be fast and the gaps between the GC contenders should be very small.
Javier Guillén says: "It's strange not having the final stage in Madrid. It has not happened since 1993 but Santiago is a very fitting setting, especially as it's the 800th anniversary of the visit by St Francis of Assisi and the time trial finishes at the end of the Camino de Santiago."
Copyright: lavuelta.com
-
How to watch the Vuelta a España 2025: TV, streaming, official broadcasters
Where to watch the third and final men's Grand Tour of the season from August 23 to September 14 in Spain -
Vuelta a España standings 2025 – General Classification after stage 6
Torstein Træen nabs red jersey after Vingegaard lets breakaway fight for race lead -
'This won't change the team tactics' - New surprise Vuelta a España leader Torstein Træen says Bahrain Victorious GC bid with Antonio Tiberi remains squad's top priority
Norwegian racer has 'no idea' how long he can hold the Vuelta lead -
'This is for you' – Jay Vine dedicates third Vuelta a España solo triumph to his son as local knowledge proves vital in Andorra
Australian rider welcomed by wife and son at the finish after attacking away on wet descent to win in Pal
