Vuelta 2025 Route stage 1: Turin – Novara

Saturday, 23 August - The Vuelta a España kicks off with a flat stage from Turin to Novara. So, a sprinter is likely to put on the pink jersey after the 186.1-kilometre race.

Turin hosted both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France last year, and now it welcomes the Vuelta a España. That's all three Grand Tours within 18 months - a true treat for cycling fans in northern Italy’s second-largest city.

Strictly speaking, the start takes place in Venaria Reale, a suburb of Turin. The riders face an easy day in the saddle, racing on flat to rolling roads towards the day’s only challenge. La Serra is a 6.4-kilometre climb at 5.3%, with its summit coming just before kilometre 65. After that, the route reverts to its earlier profile: flat to gently undulating.

Two-time Giro winner Giuseppe Saronni was born in finishing town Novara.

A sprinter seems the most likely candidate to take the first red jersey of this year’s Vuelta. The final 2.7 kilometres are straight and flat.

The first three riders across the line gain 10, 6 and 4 bonus seconds, while the intermediate sprint carries 6, 4 and 2 seconds.

Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 1st stage 2025 Vuelta a España.

Another interesting read: results 1st stage 2025 Vuelta a España.