The excitement is building as the fourth edition of O Gran Camiño, one of the latest competitions on the UCI Europe Tour, gears up to commence from February 26 to March 2, 2025. This year, the race has expanded to five stages, featuring both Portuguese and Galician terrains. Notable for this edition is its initial stint outside of Spain, with the first stage to take place entirely on Portuguese roads.
Starting from Maia and finishing in Matosinhos, the inaugural stage promises to be thrilling, spanning 190 kilometers with approximately 1,900 meters of cumulative elevation gain. Cyclists will traverse through picturesque municipalities including Trofa, Vila Nova de Famalicao, Barcelos, and more. The route also includes two categorized climbs, namely Alto de Feitos and Monte de Sao Félix, both ranked as third-category climbs.
Last year’s winner, Jonas Vingegaard, will not be defending his title, as he has opted out of this year's race. His absence, along with other prominent cyclists like Alejandro Valverde, signifies opportunities for new talent to shine. Alberto Contador, the former cyclist, noted the growing prestige of O Gran Camiño, praising its past champions. "It's doing spectacularly well, and having winners like Valverde and Vingegaard reflects its importance," he remarked during coverage of the event.
The stages set for 2025 feature distinct challenges for the competitors:
- Stage 1: February 26, Maia to Matosinhos, 190 km.
- Stage 2: February 27, Marín to A Estrada, 145 km.
- Stage 3: February 28, Ourense to Pereiro de Aguiar, individual time trial of 15.5 km.
- Stage 4: March 1, A Pobra do Brollón to Pedrafita do Cebreiro, 142 km.
- Stage 5: March 2, Betanzos to Santiago de Compostela, 165.3 km.
This year's format retains features of its predecessors yet emphasizes new routes, especially the departure from the guide of the Camino de Santiago tradition. Riders will experience the vibrant cultural backdrop of these historical paths, making for more than just a cycling event.
The time trial on the 28th showcases another aspect of the race, where individual cyclists can demonstrate their strength and strategy on the clock, distinctly different from the pack dynamics witnessed on the road stages.
Race director Ezequiel Mosquera has anticipated the challenges this year’s course will present, especially with variable weather conditions typical of the Galician winter. "We've structured the race to not only be competitive but to highlight the beautiful landscapes and rich history of our regions," he stated.
Coverage of O Gran Camiño 2025 will be available on Eurosport, providing access to both the televised and streaming formats for fans who want to follow the action live.
With the stage details outlined and the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation, the O Gran Camiño is set to capture the attention of the cycling world. New champions will surely emerge this year, and the race will likely continue to solidify its position as a significant event on the UCI cycling calendar. The cyclists are prepared, the fans are eager, and all eyes will be on the road from Maia to Matosinhos as the 2025 edition of O Gran Camiño commences this Wednesday.