"Maybe Jonas Vingegaard is a bit tired" - Jai Hindley senses opportunity as La Vuelta 2025 reaches final stages

The mountains have spoken, and Jai Hindley is listening. After a turbulent few seasons marked by crashes, setbacks, and sacrifice, the 2022 Giro d’Italia champion has quietly ridden himself back into elite Grand Tour form at the 2025 Vuelta a Espana — and he’s starting to believe that something special might be within reach.

Speaking during the second rest day of the race, the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe rider acknowledged what many are now whispering across Spain: the third week of this Vuelta might just tip in his favour. “Maybe Jonas is a bit tired after the Tour,” Hindley said in his press conference, almost as an aside — but it was a comment that carried weight. Jonas Vingegaard, the reigning Tour de France champion, and João Almeida, another podium fixture, are both coming off full gas campaigns in July (although Almeida crashed out of the Tour). And while they’ve looked strong — especially on the brutal ramps of the Angliru — Hindley senses the attrition of the summer could play into his hands.

It’s a classic Hindley narrative: survive the chaos of the opening weeks, and then hit hard when it matters most. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been at this level,” he said, “and it’s nice to be back where I belong.”

He means it. After withdrawing early from the Giro earlier this year following a crash, and riding in support of Primoz Roglic at last year’s Tour, Hindley has arrived in Spain with one thing he hasn’t had in over a year: freshness. He spent the summer training at altitude and, crucially, staying out of harm’s way. The result? A version of Hindley not seen since his Giro triumph in 2022 — measured, patient, and clearly riding into form. “We came up with a plan after the Giro, and I arrived [at the Vuelta] perhaps fresher than guys who have already done a Grand Tour,” he explained. “That crash wasn’t ideal, but it gave me time to reset and build from scratch.”

So far, it’s working. Hindley has stayed close to the main contenders on the key mountain stages — including a measured ride on the Angliru, where only Vingegaard and Almeida showed stronger legs — and now sits within striking distance of the podium. He credits not only his preparation but also the support of a tight-knit team and a rising star at his side. “Giulio Pellizzari is a cool guy. He’s got incredible energy, both on and off the bike,” Hindley said. “He’s ridden for me already, and he’s riding a great race himself.”

Pellizzari, sixth overall and in white, has emerged as both a reliable climbing lieutenant and a potential GC leader in his own right — a balance Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe seems to be managing with quiet confidence. And with Pellizzari’s future still unfolding, Hindley has a clear view of what’s at stake in the present. “You always race to win,” he admitted, “but right now the goal is a podium in Madrid. That would be great, and the team would deserve it. But it won’t be easy, it won’t be a gift.”

He’s right. The road ahead is brutal. Stage 18’s time trial — traditionally a weakness for Hindley — looms large. But this is no longer the Jai Hindley of old. With specialists like Dan Bigham and Jonny Wale supporting his efforts against the clock, he’s quietly turned his least favourite discipline into a manageable weapon. “The time trial will be crucial,” he said. “Especially with stages like Bola del Mundo still to come, it’s all about managing your effort and taking opportunities when they come.”

Those opportunities may include leapfrogging Q36.5'sTom Pidcock, who currently holds the third spot on GC. While Hindley praised the British rider’s strong showing, he hinted that the third week could reshuffle the order yet again. “Pidcock is in great shape, but let’s see how it goes in the last week.”

If Hindley’s past performances are any indication, his moment is coming. In both of his Giro podium finishes, he surged late, showing the kind of recovery and durability that sets Grand Tour winners apart from hopefuls. The numbers might favour Vingegaard or Almeida on paper, but Hindley is playing the long game — and the script is starting to feel familiar.

He’s not declaring himself the favourite. He’s not boasting. But listen closely, and the message is clear. He’s back. And he’s ready to contest.