UAE Team Emirates-XRG Claims Thrilling Vuelta Stage Five Victory

The Vuelta a España 2025 saw a special moment when UAE Team Emirates-XRG won the Stage 5 Team Time Trial (TTT) in Figueres. The Emirati-backed team covered the 24.1 km course in 25 minutes and 26 seconds, riding at an average speed of almost 57 km/h.

This effort gave them victory over Visma-Lease a Bike, who finished eight seconds slower. The win not only added to their season total of 74 victories in 2025 but also pushed three of their riders Juan Ayuso, João Almeida, and Marc Soler into the top four of the general classification (GC). They are now only eight seconds behind Jonas Vingegaard, the current race leader.

Teamwork and Perfect Execution

The Team Time Trial is not about one rider. It depends on the whole team working together. UAE Team Emirates-XRG showed perfect teamwork in Stage 5. From the start, they rode in a tight line, changing turns at the front with smooth timing.

Every rider knew their role. Each pull at the front was short but powerful, saving energy for the group. Corners were taken cleanly, and the pace never dropped. This level of control comes from months of practice, testing, and planning.

The victory was proof that the team’s hard work behind the scenes pays off. Training in aerodynamics, pacing, and group strategy made this success possible.

Numbers That Show the Difference

Cycling is a sport where numbers tell the story. Covering 24.1 km in 25:26 at nearly 57 km/h shows just how strong UAE Team Emirates-XRG was.

The eight-second gap over Visma-Lease a Bike may look small. But in a race of less than 25 km, it is a big margin. A single mistake could have cost them the lead, yet they stayed sharp until the finish line.

These numbers will be remembered as proof of their power and precision on the day.

General Classification Shake-Up

The win gave UAE Team Emirates-XRG more than just a stage victory. It also changed the general classification.

• Juan Ayuso is now in second place overall.
• João Almeida sits in third place.
• Marc Soler has climbed to fourth place.

Together, they are right behind Jonas Vingegaard, only eight seconds away from the race lead. This means the Emirati team is in a strong position for the rest of the Vuelta. With three riders at the top, they have multiple chances to fight for the red jersey.

A Season of Success

This victory also adds to the team’s great 2025 season. With 74 wins already, UAE Team Emirates-XRG has shown strength across all types of races from one-day classics to Grand Tours.

The Figueres win will be remembered as one of their best this year. It proves they are not only good in individual races but also unbeatable when they ride as a team.

UAE’s Sporting Vision on the World Stage

The success of UAE Team Emirates-XRG is more than just cycling results. It also reflects the United Arab Emirates’ growing role in global sports.

The UAE has invested heavily in building world-class teams and hosting top events. Victories like this one show the results of that vision. The Emirati squad has become a symbol of pride for the Middle East, inspiring young athletes to dream big.

This achievement proves that with planning, training, and support, teams from the UAE can compete and win at the very top of world sport.

What Comes Next at the Vuelta

The Vuelta a España is far from over. The mountains are still waiting, and they will be the hardest test of all. But after the Team Time Trial, UAE Team Emirates-XRG has strong momentum.

With Ayuso, Almeida, and Soler near the top, the team has many options. They can attack, defend, or control the race in ways that force rivals to work harder. For Jonas Vingegaard, the pressure is now much higher. He has to watch not one, but three riders from the same team.

Fans can expect more excitement in the coming stages as the battle for the red jersey heats up.

Fans and Global Attention

Cycling fans around the world praised UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s performance. Social media was full of admiration for their speed and discipline. Experts called it one of the best Team Time Trials in recent Grand Tours.

For sponsors, this kind of victory brings global attention. Every headline, photo, and highlight adds value to the team’s brand. The success in Spain once again proves that UAE Team Emirates-XRG is not just a cycling team, but also a leading name in international sports.

A Defining Victory

Stage 5 of the Vuelta a España 2025 will be remembered as a turning point. UAE Team Emirates-XRG delivered a flawless Team Time Trial to win the stage, shake up the GC, and close the gap to the race lead.

It was not just about speed. It was about teamwork, discipline, and the spirit of a team that rides with purpose. This victory strengthens their position in the race and highlights the UAE’s growing influence in cycling and global sport.

As the Vuelta continues, the question remains: Can UAE Team Emirates-XRG turn this stage win into an overall triumph? For now, one thing is clear they are not just racing in the Vuelta, they are leading its story.