The year’s third and final Grand Tour has arrived with some of the world’s best cyclists hitting the streets and mountains of Spain for the Vuelta a España. Last year’s La Vuelta saw a first time winner in Remco Evenepoel, who was the favourite to take this year’s Giro d’Italia before having to withdraw while in the lead of the race because he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Evenepoel comes into the defence of his title in fine form having won the time trial at the World Championships earlier this month after winning the road race the year previous. He is likely to run into huge competition in the form of this year’s Giro and Tour de France winners, Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard, who happen to race for the same Jumbo Visma team. Those three are the big favourites with most UK betting sites to take the red jersey home in this three-week race.

Vuelta a España Free Bets

Roglic has won the Vuelta three times, while Vingegaard is the two-time defending champion of the Tour de France, so they are rightly seen as the riders to beat with most betting apps. However, there are a number of big names in the field, who could contend to get on the podium and could present some great value if using one of the many welcome bonus free bets from the best betting sites on the race.

Outside of defending champion Evenepoel, last year’s second and third-placed riders, Enric Mas and Juan Ayuso, return to the field and won’t just want to make up the numbers. Geraint Thomas, who has won the Tour de France and came agonisingly close to winning this year’s Giro, leads his Ineos Grenadiers team in what is a very strong field.

La Vuelta Red Jersey Odds

Given his complete domination in this year’s Tour de France, it is easy to see why Jonas Vingegaard is the favourite to win this race. He has been named as co-leader of Jumbo-Visma alongside 2023 Giro winner and three-time Vuelta winner, Primoz Roglic. 

Roglic’s preparation for this race has been perfect with a win in the Spanish mountains in the Vuelta a Burgos. Remco Evenepoel looked nailed on to win this year’s Giro before COVID-19 struck, and he will want to show that he can compete against the big climbers with a probably Tour de France tilt next year. His sprint away from the other leading contenders on Stage 3 was enough to give him the red jersey heading into Stage 4.

Vuelta a España Enhanced Betting Odds

Remco Evenepoel served notice of his potential as a Tour de France rider with his stunning victory in last year’s Vuelta, beating Enric Mas by over two minutes. This year, the field is much stronger, but he is still highly regarded as a future Tour winner. 

bet365 is offering 5/2 from 9/4 on Evenpoel to win the Vuelta a España.

Who Will Win La Vuelta?

Jumbo-Visma have announced that Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic are going to be the joint leaders of the team for the race. In theory it works, but in practice it never truly does as one rider is favoured above another. Roglic has been the rider asked to step aside for Vingegaard in the Tour before, so perhaps Roglic will be the most protected rider given his history in the race? 

Bet on Primoz Roglic to win the Vuelta a España at 7/2 with BetVictor.

Vuelta a España Betting Tip

If Roglic is indeed the protected rider for Jumbo-Visma, can Vingegaard still make the podium? Does Remco Evenepoel have the legs to last the three-week tour having been injured for much of the season. One person who is flying under the radar at present, which is probably how he likes it, is Geraint Thomas. 

Thomas finished second in the Giro before skipping the Tour de France. He knows he has precious few Grand Tours left in the tank, so maybe he can have one last crack at finishing on the podium. He had a tough day in the first summit finish, but he is only a minute behind Evenpoel at present and has plenty of time to get back towards the podium. His current odds are tantalising, even if they reflect where he might be form-wise. Still, it is a risk worth taking.

Bet on Geraint Thomas each way at 99/1 to win La Vuelta with 888sport.