(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Filippo Ganna Wins Stage 18 Time Trial as Tom Pidcock Edges Closer to Vuelta a España Podium
VALLADOLID, SPAIN: Filippo Ganna of Ineos Grenadiers claimed his second career Vuelta a España stage victory after powering through the shortened 12.2km time trial in Valladolid with a winning time of 13 minutes flat.
The Italian rider, a two-time world time trial champion, secured the top spot two years after his first triumph in the same city. UAE Team Emirates-XRG duo Jay Vine and Joao Almeida finished second and third, with Vine just nine-tenths of a second behind Ganna and Almeida nearly eight seconds adrift.
Race Leaderboard Impact
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Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma–Lease a Bike) finished ninth, 18 seconds off Ganna’s time. He still holds the overall lead by 40 seconds over Almeida.
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Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) produced one of his strongest time trials, gaining three crucial seconds over Jai Hindley to strengthen his hold on a podium position.
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Pidcock now sits 2’39” behind Vingegaard, but more importantly, remains 39 seconds ahead of Hindley.
Speaking after the race, Pidcock said:
“That was probably my best ever time trial, looking at the numbers, so I can be pretty happy. We didn’t focus on this beforehand, but I felt super strong.”
Race Disruptions and Safety Concerns
Stage 18 was cut from 27.2km to 12.2km due to safety concerns after a series of pro-Palestine protests disrupted earlier stages of the race.
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Stage 5’s team time trial was interrupted by demonstrators blocking the road.
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Stage 11 in Bilbao was neutralized with no winner declared.
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Stage 16 was shortened by 8km, though a winner was announced.
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Multiple riders, including Movistar’s Javier Romo, crashed following protest-related incidents.
Despite fears of further disruption, Thursday’s individual time trial was completed without incident, easing concerns for the moment. However, uncertainty remains over the race’s ability to reach its final stage in Madrid.
Key Standings After Stage 18
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Jonas Vingegaard leads overall.
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Joao Almeida trails by 40 seconds.
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Tom Pidcock moves closer to a maiden Grand Tour podium finish.
With just three stages left, the battle for the Vuelta a España 2025 title is set for a thrilling conclusion.
