Steff Cras denies UAE duo on opening stage of Vuelta a Asturias 2025

Steff Cras claimed an impressive win in the opening stage of the 2025 Vuelta a Asturias - but few were able to witness it. The Belgian rider from TotalEnergies crossed the line ahead of the UAE Team Emirates - XRG duo Marc Soler and Alessandro Covi, sealing a strong start to the race in a stage that will be remembered as much for its lack of visibility as for its racing.

This year marks the centenary edition of the Vuelta a Asturias, one of Spain’s most historic races. Long a proving ground for homegrown talent, the event has increasingly been dominated by Latin American riders in recent years. Colombian star Nairo Quintana has won twice (2017, 2021), Ecuador's Richard Carapaz likewise (2018, 2019), with Iván Sosa (2022) and Mexican talent Isaac del Toro (2024) also claiming victories. The race was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while Lorenzo Fortunato broke the Latin American streak with a win in 2023.

The 2025 edition got underway on Thursday, April 24, with a 163.9-kilometer route between Oviedo and Llanes. The stage featured two early intermediate sprints and three categorized climbs: the Alto de la Campa (2.9 km at 3.4%, 3rd category), the demanding Alto del Fitu (7 km at 8%), and the Alto de la Tornería (6.1 km at 5.7%), both 1st category ascents.

Despite the significance of the stage race, coverage is sorely lacking. With no live broadcast and minimal updates from race organisers, fans and media alike were left piecing together the day’s events.

From the few details that have emerged, it’s known that Víctor Martínez (Sabgal-Anicolor) was first over the Alto de la Campa. The early break consisted of six riders from Continental teams, but they were reeled in on the Alto del Fitu by a reduced peloton containing most of the race’s key contenders.

On the final climb, the Alto de la Tornería, Soler and Cras launched a decisive move, distancing themselves from the group of favorites. Guatemalan rider Sergio Geovani Chumil (Burgos-Burpellet BH) tried to bridge across, but the effort fell short. In the end, it was Cras who proved strongest, powering to the win in a race that deserved far more eyes on it.

While the lack of live coverage left fans disappointed, Cras’ performance sends a clear message: the Belgian is in strong form, and TotalEnergies have come to Asturias with some serious intent.