Vuelta 2025 Route stage 12: Laredo – Los Corrales del Buelna

Wednesday, 4 September - At 143 kilometres, the 12th stage of the Vuelta a España takes the riders from Laredo to Los Corrales de Buelna. The route packs in nearly 2,900 metres of climbing, with elevation gain not limited to two KOM ascents, the last of which comes with 22.5 kilometres remaining.

Four years ago, La Vuelta also visited Laredo. The stage headed to Santa Cruz de Bezana, where Fabio Jakobsen sprinted to victory, claiming his third win of that edition.

Whether this year’s stage will suit the sprinters remains to be seen. The course is peppered with countless small hills, including the Alto de Hijas, a 3.6-kilometre climb at 6.9%, which comes after almost 100 kilometres of action.

The route features two KOM worthy ascents. The first is the Alto de Alisas, 36 kilometres into the stage. The climb spans 8.3 kilometres with an average gradient of 6%.

After descending from the Alisas, the riders face a series of rolling mini-climbs for dozens of kilometres, culminating in the Alto de Hijas. From there, they head or the Collada de Brenes, a 6.6-kilometre climb averaging 8.3%. The summit marks the final KOM of the day, with 22.5 kilometres remaining.

Following the descent, the terrain continues as before — undulating, with several short uphill kickers. The final 3 kilometres feature a slight downhill gradient towards the finish line in Los Corrales de Buelna.

La Vuelta last visited Los Corrales de Buelna nine years ago. Back then, it served as the starting point for a stage to Bilbao, where Belgian Jens Keukeleire triumphed in a bunch sprint.