The peak years for a professional cyclist are often between 25 and 32. It’s considered the sweet spot between experience and peak physical condition.
The average age of the Vuelta Espana general classification winner is 28 years and 2 months.
Chris Horner is the oldest rider to win the Vuelta Espana general classification. He won the 2013 edition, aged 41 years and 328 days. He’s also the oldest rider to win a stage at the Vuelta Espana when he won on Stage 3 and 10 in 2013. In doing so, he also became the oldest rider to wear the leader’s jersey.
Besides Chris Horner, there were 14 other riders aged 30 and above when they won the Vuelta Espana. Primož Roglič is the last rider to win in 2021, aged 31 years and 311 days.
| Rider | Age |
|---|---|
| Chris Horner | 41 years, 328 days |
| Tony Rominger | 33 years, 49 days |
| Alexandre Vinokourov | 33 years, 1 days |
| Joop Zoetemelk | 32 years, 161 days |
| Chris Froome | 32 years, 113 days |
| Tony Rominger | 32 years, 50 days |
| Sean Kelly | 31 years, 356 days |
| Ferdinand Bracke | 31 years, 356 days |
| Primož Roglič | 31 years, 311 days |
| Alberto Contador | 31 years, 282 days |
| Roberto Heras | 31 years, 209 days |
| Jesús Loroño | 31 years, 121 days |
| Angelo Conterno | 31 years, 60 days |
| Tony Rominger | 31 years, 51 days |
| Primož Roglič | 31 years, 10 days |
| Roberto Heras | 30 years, 218 days |
| Augustín Tamames | 30 years, 204 days |
| José Pesarrodona | 30 years, 105 days |
| Julián Berrendero | 30 years, 99 days |