When does the 2026 Vuelta a España start?

The 2026 Vuelta a España will begin on August 22 in Monaco with a time trial spanning 9.6 kilometers through the streets of the principality. The race, which includes 21 stages over three weeks, will conclude on September 13 in Granada. This edition promises a Mediterranean character, starting in Monaco and ending in Andalusia, featuring historical cities, mountain passes, and unique climbs before finishing at the Alhambra in Granada. According to Javier Guillén, director of La Vuelta, the route reflects this theme, emphasizing both prestige and cultural significance. The race begins with a time trial in Monaco, followed by a series of stages that take riders through varied terrain. The second stage starts in Monaco and ends in Manosque, covering 215.2 kilometers. The third stage moves to Gruissan and finishes in Font-Romeu, offering a medium mountain climb. Stage four takes place entirely within Andorra la Vieja, presenting a challenging mountain course of 104.8 kilometers. The fifth stage travels from Falset to Roquetes, a rolling route of 173.4 kilometers. Stage six sees cyclists move from Alcossebre to Castellón, another medium mountain climb of 177.4 kilometers. Stage seven features a mountain ascent from Vall d'Alba to Aramón Valdelinares, covering 149.8 kilometers. The eighth stage offers a flat route from Puzol to Jaraco, stretching 171 kilometers. Stage nine presents a mountain challenge from Villajoyosa to Sierra de Aitana, totaling 187.4 kilometers. After a rest day on August 31, the race resumes with stage ten, moving from Alcaraz to Elche de la Sierra, a rolling route of 184.7 kilometers. Stage eleven covers a flat distance from Cartagena to Lorca, measuring 151.3 kilometers. Stage twelve heads to Vera and concludes at the Observatorio de Calar Alto, a mountain stage of 166.6 kilometers. Stage thirteen takes riders from Almuñécar to Loja, a medium mountain climb of 192.8 kilometers. Stage fourteen features a mountain route from Jaén to Sierra de la Pandera, covering 154.3 kilometers. Stage fifteen moves from Palma del Río to Córdoba, a medium mountain stage of 189.7 kilometers. Another rest day follows on September 7. Stage sixteen begins in Cortegana and ends in Palos de la Frontera, a flat route of 181.1 kilometers. Stage seventeen moves from Dos Hermanas to Sevilla, covering 185 kilometers. Stage eighteen is a short time trial from El Puerto de Santa María to Jerez de la Frontera, lasting 32 kilometers. Stage nineteen travels from Vélez-Málaga to Peñas Blancas, a rolling route of 210 kilometers. The final stage, stage twenty, starts in La Calahorra and finishes at Collado del Alguacil, a mountain climb of 187 kilometers. A total of 23 teams have been confirmed for the 2026 Vuelta a España, each fielding eight riders. These include 18 WorldTour teams, three UCI ProTeams based on rankings, and two invited teams. Among the participating teams are Alpecin-PremierTech, Bahrain Victorious, Decathlon CMA CGM, EF Education-Easy Post, Groupama FDJ United, Netcompany Ineos, Lidl-Trek, Lotto Intermarché, Movistar Team, NSN Cycling Team, Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe, Soudal Quickstep, Team Jayco AlUla, Team Picnic PostNL, Visma-Lease a Bike, UAE Team Emirates, Uno-X Mobility, XDS Astana, Tudor Pro Cycling, Cofidis, Pinarello Q36.5, Burgos Burpellet BH, and Kern Pharma. Among the notable participants is Santiago Buitrago, who signed with his new team until 2029. His presence highlights the continued interest from Colombian cyclists in the race, given its mountainous profile. The inclusion of such riders adds depth to the competition, with Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates emerging as a key favorite despite the presence of other formidable contenders. The route design emphasizes variety, incorporating both flat and hilly stages, ensuring that different types of cyclists can excel. Starting in Monaco and concluding in Granada, the race aims to showcase Spain’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage. With a blend of traditional routes and new challenges, the 2026 Vuelta a España is set to provide an exciting spectacle for fans around the world.