Jonas Vingegaard ‘super proud’ to wrap up third Grand Tour triumph after ‘three tough weeks’ at La Vuelta 2025 in Spain
Published 14/09/2025 at 21:15 GMT+1
It might not have finished how he had hoped, but Visma-Lease a Bike’s Jonas Vingegaard was delighted to claim the overall La Vuelta win. The Dane was declared the general classification victor after the 21st and final stage was abandoned due to protests. Vingegaard edged out Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) to seal the third Grand Tour of his career after his 2022 and 2023 Tour de France wins.
Vingegaard congratulated by Visma teammates as final stage abandoned
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) admitted he was "super proud" to claim the third Grand Tour win of his career at La Vuelta.
The Dane was declared the winner after the 21st and final stage in Madrid was abandoned due to protests.
It was far from straightforward for Vingegaard, who was pushed all the way by Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), but his class ultimately shone through in the end.
He launched a blistering late attack to win Stage 20 on the iconic Bola del Mundo climb to finally see off the challenge of Almeida and all but secure his overall victory.
Reacting to his win, Vingegaard said in a Visma statement: "I’m super proud of this overall win, my first Vuelta and the third Grand Tour of my career.
"It’s been three tough weeks. I felt very strong in the first week and managed to win twice. Afterwards, I had a more difficult phase, but luckily I came back during the final weekend. My stage win on Bola del Mundo gave me great satisfaction.
"It was a beautiful way to crown this Vuelta."
Vingegaard’s Vuelta victory means he has now added a red jersey to the two yellow jerseys he won at the 2022 and 2023 Tour de France.
With UAE’s Tadej Pogacar absent, he was the heavy favourite ahead of the final Grand Tour of 2025. But there was plenty to contend with in Spain.
Vingegaard was reportedly unwell for the majority of the second week, while he also had to deal with Almeida.
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The 27-year-old Portuguese cyclist appeared to be in the form of his life as he looked to emerge from the shadow of team-mate Pogacar to land a Grand Tour.
He led from the bottom of the famous Alto de L'Angliru all the way to the top to win Stage 13. It was a performance that will live long in the memory and one that ignited his hopes of toppling the Visma leader.
But Vingegaard was able to absorb Almeida’s best and keep him at arm’s length.
The great Dane also enjoyed a thrilling Stage 11 battle with Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling), who secured the last place on the podium.
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Highlights: Vingegaard takes Stage 20 to close in on La Vuelta glory
Video credit: TNT Sports
There were no shortage of storylines in Spain as the Grand Tour season came to a conclusion.
La Vuelta was also disrupted by pro-Palestine protests that saw some stages shortened and some neutralised before the planned finish.
And the protestors entered the streets of Madrid during the final stage, resulting in it being abandoned with 57km to go and meaning Vingegaard was denied his chance to celebrate as he crossed the line.
"It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us," Vingegaard added. "I’m really disappointed about that.
"I was looking forward to celebrating this overall win with my team and the fans. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race."
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