Race Stage 11 of the Vuelta a Espana: Tom Pidcock secures time advantage over race leader Jonas Vingegaard, as the race is halted with only 3 kilometers remaining

Vuelta a España: Unexpected Neutralization and Juan Ayuso's Stage 12 Victory

In an unexpected twist, the organisers of the 2025 Vuelta a España announced that times would be taken with three kilometres to go in Stage 12, effectively neutralizing the end of the stage. This decision was made to maintain fairness amid safety concerns and protests, as there was no stage winner declared.

Despite the neutralization, Juan Ayuso (Movistar Team) emerged victorious in a two-man sprint before the finish line. Ayuso's win marked his first stage victory in this year's Vuelta, adding to the excitement of the race.

Before the race, there were concerns about safety due to multiple pro-Palestine protests and pro-Basque independence demonstrations. However, the race officials managed to navigate these challenges, ensuring the smooth progression of the competition.

The stage began with an early breakaway, featuring Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), and Orluis Aular (Movistar Team). As the race progressed, a chase group of six formed, consisting of Victor Campenaerts (Visma-Lease a Bike), Jordan Labrosse (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Pedersen, Eddie Dunbar (Jayco AlUla), Louis Rouland (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), Kamiel Bonneu (Intermarché-Wanty), and Chris Hamilton (Picnic-PostNL).

Mikel Landa (Soudal-QuickStep) attempted to ride off the front of the group on the first time up the Alto del Vivero, but was eventually reeled in. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) joined Tom Pidcock's (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) attack, trying to gain time before the neutralisation. Vingegaard successfully bridged across to Pidcock, forming a select group of two.

Meanwhile, Joāo Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and the other GC favourites formed another group, attempting to maintain their positions in the overall classification. Almeida managed to distance himself from the peloton, creating a selection with the race favourites.

Tom Pidcock distanced his rivals on the 16% slopes of the Alto de Pike, taking valuable bonus seconds. However, the race officials took the GC times with three kilometres to go, ensuring a fair overall classification.

As a result of the neutralization, Vingegaard continues to lead the overall classification, with 50 seconds ahead of Almeida and 56 seconds ahead of Pidcock. The Vuelta a España's unpredictable nature continues to captivate audiences, with just a few stages remaining before the grand finale.

The race's previous stage, Stage 11, did not have an official winner due to incidents involving protests at the finish line in Bilbao. The stage included seven categorised ascents in and around Bilbao, with Soler taking the full points over the top of the fourth climb of the day, Alto de Morga.

As the race heads into its final stages, the competition is heating up, with riders fighting for every second and every point. The Vuelta a España continues to deliver thrilling racing, making it a must-watch for cycling fans around the world.

Race Stage 11 of the Vuelta a Espana: Tom Pidcock secures time advantage over race leader Jonas Vingegaard, as the race is halted with only 3 kilometers remaining