"I'm leaning towards Juan Ayuso" - Bruyneel and Martin discuss possibility of a second Ayuso win on stage 9 of La Vuelta

The ninth stage of the Vuelta a España 2025, finishing in Valdezcaray, was one of the central topics in the chat between Johan Bruyneel and Spencer Martin on The Move podcast. The final day of the week is mostly flat and features a summit finish, albeit one that doesn't promise gaps in the overall classification. Hence there is the belief that either a GC-rider group sprint or breakaway will take the win, and UAE have good chances of winning a third moutnain stage in a row.

Throughout the conversation, the two discussed the characteristics of the climb, the role that teams like Visma could play, and the riders they had reserved for this stage. Among the options, names like Jay Vine, Juan Ayuso or Giulio Ciccone came up, each with different arguments depending on how the race would develop. None named Jonas Vingegaard, despite his victory in Limone last weekend in a finale of similar difficulty.

- Spencer Martin: This is a classic stage of the Vuelta. The only categorized climb is also the last one: the final climb. It's 13.3 kilometers at 5.2%. It doesn't look too hard, but it's actually a pass with two very different halves.

The first seven kilometers are all above 7% on average, with some kilometers above 8%. The second half, on the other hand, is gentler, around 4% average, and the last kilometer barely reaches 2.5%. So either you go away in the first part and manage to keep the advantage, or you arrive with the overall group and it's decided in a reduced sprint.

- Johan Bruyneel: Yes, it's a 13-kilometer climb, more demanding at the beginning. The last three are quite easy... well, easy depends on the speed of the group, but they're like 2% or 3% maximum. I've checked the finish: it's in La Rioja, in the wine region, and Valdezcaray is a small ski resort. It's a stage with only one big climb, what's called a "unipuerto".

I think the breakaway has a chance. As long as the leader is not in danger, I think they will let the group go. My bet would be Jay Vine, because that last climb is not super hard and the breakaway may have enough margin. It will also depend on what Visma wants to do; as the climb is not ideal for them, I doubt they will try too hard to chase.

- Spencer Martin: I was thinking Jay Vine too, but I'm leaning towards Juan Ayuso. He clearly let himself go today, a sign that he was saving his strength for tomorrow. He's already won a stage and I think he's stronger than Vine. I see him coming out of the breakaway.

- Johan Bruyneel: Yes, they both dropped off today and lost time, which confirms that they are saving themselves. But there's also another possibility: if it's the men in the general classification who are playing for the win, I think Giulio Ciccone has a good chance. He is one of the fastest among the favorites and this finish could favor him.

- Spencer Martin: I agree, I also thought of Ciccone. It seems to me that this stage suits him very well.

- Johan Bruyneel: Yes, but it will depend on whether a team works to neutralize the breakaway. In any case, if it is decided among the favorites, Ciccone could win the sprint.

- Spencer Martin: Exactly. The funny thing is that, in the event of a breakaway, no team in the general classification would really be interested in pulling. That might make the breakaway even more likely.

- Johan Bruyneel: That's right. For me, the breakaway will most likely win.