Vuelta a España 2025 Stage 21 Preview & Betting Tips

Weather: Dry, around 30 °C.

Key climbs: None classified.

Finish: Positioning is vital at a U-bend just before the flamme rouge, followed by a slight uphill drag. Sprints will launch after a shallow right-hand bend about 300m from the line.

Stage suits: Sprinters, though strong rouleurs also can’t be ruled out.

Breakaway chances: Low, but not zero. The Madrid laps are twisty and not completely flat, which can complicate chasing – as seen two years ago when a strong group held off a tired peloton, just.

Likely scenario: After the ceremonial drinks and photos, expect attacks as the race enters the Madrid circuit. Sprint teams will aim to control a small break and set up a bunch finish, but the peloton’s fatigue could make that tricky.

Vuelta a España Stage 21 Contenders

Jasper Philipsen (4/9; 1.44) – Three stage wins and clearly the fastest sprinter. Strong favourite if he gets a clean run.

Ethan Vernon (7/1; 8.0) – Quick enough to compete but must improve positioning.

Mads Pedersen (9/1; 10.0) – Might try an attack rather than wait for a bunch sprint where beating Philipsen will be tough.

Elia Viviani (12/1; 13.0) – Fourth on stage 1 and second on stage 8 (before relegation for deviation). Lotto’s lead-outs have been sharp, and the veteran could make the frame.

Arne Marit (16/1; 17.0) – Crashed on stage 20; depends how he’s recovered. Intermarché-Wanty may back Jenthe Biermans (80/1; 81.0) instead.

Ben Turner (20/1; 21.0) – Isn’t slow but is favoured by a tougher finish.

Orluis Aular (20/1; 21.0) – Well supported by Movistar but unlikely to be the fastest on a flat run-in.

For the breakaway or late attack:

Sprint teams should be alert if any of these try to slip away – Ivo Oliveira (70/1; 71.0), Nico Denz (100/1; 101.0), Filippo Ganna (100/1; 101.0).

Vuelta a España Stage 21 Verdict

Final stages of a grand tour can get messy, so nothing is certain. The most likely outcome is a bunch sprint, with Philipsen the man to beat. The odds are tight, though, so the value play is Mads Pedersen, who may launch a late attack but if not, still has an outside shot in a group gallop.

Vuelta a España Stage 21 Bets

Mads Pedersen 1pt win, 3 places @9/1 (VOID)

Posted 1958 BST Sat 13th Sep 2025

Prices quoted are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change

Vuelta a España Stage 21 FAQs

When is stage 21 of the Vuelta a España 2025?
Stage 21 takes place on Sunday, 14 September 2025. It begins at 1640 CEST in Alalpardo and finishing in Madrid.

What is the route for stage 21 of the Vuelta a España 2025?
The riders roll out from Alalpardo and cover about 112 km, ending with nine laps of the Madrid city circuit. It’s a flat, fast route designed for the sprinters — with a slight uphill drag to the finish line.

How and where can I watch stage 21 of the Vuelta a España 2025 live?
Stage 21 will be shown live on TNT Sports (UK), Discovery+ (Europe), Max (Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia), Peacock (USA), FloBikes (Canada) and RTVE (Spain), SBS (Australia) and ESPN (Latin America and the Caribbean).

Who are the favourites and best bets for stage 21 of the Vuelta a España?
Jasper Philipsen leads the odds as the top sprinter, while Ethan Vernon and Mads Pedersen have strong each-way chances. Philipsen’s team strength makes him hard to beat, but fatigue and Madrid’s tight corners could open the door for an upset.

Who is the favourite for stage 21 of the Vuelta a España 2025?
Jasper Philipsen is the favourite for stage 21 at a best price of 4/9.

Vuelta a España Stage 21 Result

Race cancelled

We didn’t quite get that big-priced winner but places at 40/1, 25/1, 40/1 (again), 150/1 and 22/1 helped us to a small profit for the race.

Vuelta final score – Total stakes: 80.0pts; Profit/Loss: +14.0pts (+17.4%)

Combined with results for the Giro and Tour, the year results were:

Total stakes: 256.0pts; Profit/Loss: +28.6pts (+11.2%)

Hope you’ve enjoyed the previews – thanks a lot for reading!