THEMOVE Podcast – Epsiode Summary

Title: Will Jonas Vingegaard Win the Vuelta on l'Angliru? | Vuelta a España Stage 12 Analysis & Stage 13 Preview
Date: September 4, 2025
Host: Lance Armstrong (not present), Spencer Martin (main host), Johan Bruyneel (regular guest)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dives deep into the events of Stage 12 of the 2025 Vuelta a España and looks ahead to a pivotal Stage 13 finish atop the infamous l’Angliru. Hosts Spencer Martin and Johan Bruyneel analyze UAE Team Emirates' intriguing tactics, discuss rider dynamics (with particular focus on Juan Ayuso), review GC (general classification) implications, and debate whether Jonas Vingegaard can seal the race on one of cycling's most legendary climbs. The episode mixes tactical cycling insight, historical context, and predictions for one of the race’s most anticipated stages.

Key Discussion Points

Stage 12 Recap: UAE’s Fifth Win & Ayuso’s Story

• Massive Breakaway and Controlled Peloton (02:00–04:00)

  • Over 50 riders went up the road, quickly establishing a two-climb stage, with all GC favorites staying cautious ahead of l’Angliru.
  • Mads Pedersen sprinted for maximum points, indicating he’s keen to defend the Green Jersey against emerging threats.

• Juan Ayuso's Tactical Victory (04:00–08:00)

  • Ayuso, aided by Mark Soler, attacks on the final climb and wins a tense finish.
  • Javier Romo (Movistar) finishes second, showing grit but being out-sprinted.
  • The break contained virtually half the peloton, with Movistar putting five riders in the move, underlining their intent but falling short again.

• Team Dynamics and Internal UAE Issues (08:00–13:00)

  • Ayuso seems on a “solo program,” with gratitude only to Soler—not the team—after his stage win.
    • Johan: “If Ayuso was there, it’s obviously because he got the green card from his team to go in the break… They let him the freedom.” (05:10)
  • Spencer and Johan debate if giving riders like Ayuso this freedom is good public policy, or if it undermines their GC ambitions with Almeida.
  • UAE’s record—five stage wins and probable podium—means “the team atmosphere must be quite good. Even with the drama we had of Juan Ayuso… leaving and the press release and him not being happy about it.” (Johan, 06:20)

• Controversy Around Ayuso’s Attitude (12:50–14:12)

  • Memorable moment: Ayuso’s social media after the win thanks only Soler, igniting criticism—even from Spanish media and legends like Pedro Delgado.
    • “Don’t criticize the team because of the wording or the timing of the press release. Just be grateful they let you leave and go to another team.” (Johan summarizing Delgado at 13:30)
  • Spencer notes the awkwardness of warehousing such talent as Ayuso on a team where he can’t target the Tour for leadership.
  • General theme: stage wins vs. GC ambitions—a perennial debate for superteams.

• Javier Romo’s Emergence (14:40–18:30)

  • Romo’s background: latecomer from triathlon, rocketing through domestic Spanish teams to Movistar.
  • Romo was “the only guy who could catch [Ayuso] on the climb”, and arguably stronger in the final 2km—but outfoxed at the line.
    • “He was pretty generous with the polling. He was yelling at Ayuso… I’m pretty sure he said, I don’t like to race like that. But the team made me…that’s how you bike race, man.” (Spencer and Johan, 18:00–18:25)

• GC & Team Strategies Remain Stable (19:45–20:59)

  • No time lost for the GC group; Visma keeps everything under control.
  • “Everybody’s saving their legs for tomorrow.” (Spencer, 20:37)

Rider Physiques, Modern Gear & Changing Cycling

• Ayuso and Romo: Modern Rider Build (20:37–22:19)
  • Ayuso’s size (183 cm / 65kg) is light for his height; just like Pogacar.
  • Jorgenson: “190cm and 69kg—man, you’re skinny!” (Johan, 22:12)
  • The conversation highlights how, in modern cycling, the most successful GC riders are often slight and power-to-weight obsessed.

Stage 13 l'Angliru Preview

• Climb and Stage Review (24:36–27:00)

  • The hosts lay out the three major climbs, culminating in the infamously steep Angliru (13km, ~10% avg; final km’s at 17%).
  • Cat 1 climbs before Angliru are already morale-testing; gearing range less of an issue today but was a “nightmare” in cycling’s recent past.
    • “Back in the days...you had special gears for Angliru, special triple chainrings. The mechanics had to change all the bottom brackets…” (Johan, 27:03)

• Historical Context (29:42–30:35)

  • Recollections of Postal Service’s first visit (1999) and Roberto Heras’s win (2002).
  • The climb doesn’t always produce big time gaps due to its extremity—riders are forced to pace themselves: “On those super steep climbs...you can only go your own pace.” (Johan, 30:35)

• Betting Odds and Favorites (31:14–34:00)

  • Jonas Vingegaard is an overwhelming favorite, with betting odds reflecting his dominance.
  • Alternatives: Joao Almeida, Tom Pidcock, Jay Vine, Felix Gall.
    • “Tomorrow, Visma’s keeping this under control—tight—and any break...doesn’t make it. So I’m going Jonas.” (Johan, 32:27)

• Predictions & Tactics (34:00–38:51)

  • Both believe the stage likely comes down to the GC group.
    • Spencer tips Almeida for an outsider win: “Maybe not winning the Vuelta tomorrow, but starting to worry Jonas.”
    • Johan: “If it is GC, it’s Jonas, Almeida, or Pidcock. Wild card, Jay Vine.”
    • “If Pitcock drops Jonas tomorrow, that keeps the race wide open.” (Johan, 37:23)
  • Weather, stage length, terrain, and breakaway viability are discussed, but consensus leans heavy toward a GC shootout.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On UAE’s Dilemma and Ayuso:
  • “We can criticize all we want, but five stage wins in the Vuelta, they’re in second place…most likely going to be on the podium without any bad luck.” – Johan Bruyneel (02:29)
  • “You get some stage wins. That’s nice, but does that sit right with you?” – Spencer Martin questioning UAE’s approach (08:24)
• On Team Politics:
  • “The team could easily have said, Ayuso, you just stay with Almeida and this is your job for the rest of the Vuelta. And he would have had to accept it. Obviously, that’s not the case.” – Johan (05:20)
  • “Winning erases a lot of conflicts and a lot of stress.” – Johan (09:55)
• On Tactics for l’Angliru:
  • “The first time the peloton went up Angliru was 1999…I remember the first winner was Jose Maria Jimenez ‘El Chava’…” – Johan reflecting (27:17)
  • “It’s the climb where for the first time we saw Jonas do a super performance…from then on we kind of knew that this guy was going to be somebody with huge potential.” – Johan, on Vingegaard’s 2020 breakthrough (32:27)
• On Who Can Win Stage 13:
  • “If we’re starting from a point that’s going to be GC, I don’t think there’s anybody who can win except Jonas, Almeida, or Pidcock.” – Johan (34:58)
  • “Pitcock is discovering himself day by day…if there’s anybody who can give Jonas a run for his money, except Almeida, it’s going to be Pitcock.” – Johan (37:23)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Stage 12 Play-by-Play & Analysis: 02:00–08:00
• UAE Internal Tactics & Ayuso’s Status: 08:00–14:30
• Javier Romo’s Background & Stature: 14:40–18:30
• Team Strategies in GC Battle: 19:45–20:59
• Physique/Gears Discussion: 20:37–22:19
• Stage 13 Route Details/L’Angliru Context: 24:36–27:03
• Equipment History on Angliru: 27:03–29:42
• Major Gaps & Climb Dynamics: 30:17–31:14
• Favorites/Picks for Stage 13: 31:14–38:51

Closing Thoughts

The hosts close out by emphasizing the significance of Stage 13 at l’Angliru. All signs point to a showdown between Vingegaard, Almeida, and Pidcock—with history suggesting Angliru can shape the Vuelta, but rarely settles it entirely. The episode mixes incisive tactical breakdowns, inside-the-sport color, and a healthy dose of skepticism toward prevailing team policies.

If you missed the stage or want to sound like an insider at the next group ride, start here for the context, controversy, and the predictions that will define tomorrow's race.

Next up: Full breakdown and debrief after the drama of l’Angliru…