PREVIEW | Vuelta a Andalucia 2025 stage 2 - UAE prepare to raid Maxim van Gils on crazy treacherous stage

From the 19th to the 23rd of February we have one of the most important Spanish stage-races of the season. This will be the Vuelta a Andalucia, taking place in a warm part of the country, always with a mix of explosive stages that traditionally attract the climbers and classics riders a lot. We preview stage 2.

Stage 2 is an explosive day and another one that is difficult to control. The first two thirds of the stage feature a few climbs that can create some meaningful differences. The ascent to Puerto Vieja will be ridden twice and at it's hardest, it features 4.3 kilometers at 9.4% - which can be used for serious attacks.

However the final one ends with 43 kilometers to go, still with an hour of racing left. Most of it will be flat, but the finale at the Ermita Santa Ana will also be uphill, the final kilometer will average 9% and in this short road there is still the chance to make a difference.

*** Tim Wellens, Tom Pidcock
** Maxim van Gils, Marc Soler, Pavel Sivakov
* Clément Berthet, Steff Cras, Igor Arrieta, Jordan Labrosse, Enric Mas, Nairo Quintana, Axel Laurance

Pick: Tim Wellens

How: UAE will attack the stage hard and put van Gils under pressure. Although the finale isn't hard, I think it will be a lot of pressure. Either Wellens or another rider will benefit to take the stage win.