“One of the most unusual routes in history”: Expert analyses the 2026 Vuelta a Espana in detail
CyclingFriday, 26 December 2025 at 21:00
Javier Ares, a cycling commentator for Eurosport, has spoken on his YouTube channel about the route of the 2026 Vuelta a Espana. The veteran journalist analysed in detail the profiles of a race that will once again begin abroad and will finish with a long sequence of stages in Andalusia, culminating in a spectacular finale at the Alhambra.
Start in Monaco
“The Vuelta starts in Monaco, which no longer comes as a surprise because the race has become accustomed to starting abroad. Utrecht, Lisbon and now Monaco are part of that international expansion, and as long as there is interest and financial backing, I don’t see any problem with it. The Vuelta will visit four countries: Monaco, Andorra, France and Spain, reinforcing that international image.”
An unprecedented route with a Mediterranean profile
“The route is one of the most peculiar in the history of the Vuelta. It has a clearly Mediterranean profile, running along much of the coastline and its hinterland, and it abandons areas that are usually very present. It will be a huge Vuelta, with very few days that are irrelevant for the general classification, but with the paradox that it does not pass through the great classic mountain ranges, especially in Asturias.”
Absence of Asturias and prolonged presence in Andalusia
It is striking that, despite being a very demanding Vuelta with a huge concentration of mountain stages, iconic climbs such as the Angliru or Lagos de Covadonga are not included. Asturias, which has featured every year since 2009, will be absent. In contrast, Andalusia will have a very prominent role, with ten stages, entering halfway through the race and remaining until the end. He believes the mountainous terrain in Andalusia will reduce concerns about the heat, although wind could be a decisive factor.
Overall assessment of the route
He considers it a route that fits modern cycling: many uphill finishes, a wide variety of stages, 41 kilometres of time trials, flat stages, traps and dangerous days. He believes there are enough attractions to maintain interest, while also waiting to see the final start list.
Official presentation and context of the finish in Granada
At the official presentation there were figures such as Prince Albert, Froome, Sagan and Geraint Thomas, alongside leading names from Spanish cycling. He explains that the finish in Andalusia is due to the fact that the race was initially planned to end in the Canary Islands, but the Cabildo of Gran Canaria ruled out that option following problems the previous year. After that, Granada was chosen, although the organisers generally prefer to finish in Madrid. He recalls that there have been previous finishes outside the capital, such as Santiago.
Finish in Granada and arrival at the Alhambra
The Vuelta will finish in Granada with what he describes as an apotheotic finale: a finish at the Alhambra, four laps of an urban circuit and five ascents of a final one-kilometre climb through the city streets, in an area with a strong cycling following.
Start of the race: first key stages
The race begins in Monaco with a 9-kilometre time trial that will already create differences. The second stage, finishing in Manosque, does not appear decisive on paper, but he highlights its historical significance due to José Luis Viejo’s victory there in the Tour. The third stage finishes in Font-Romeu, the first mountain day before entering Andorra.
Andorra stage: short but decisive
The Andorra stage does not finish on a major summit finish, but he highlights it as one of the most beautiful stages of the Vuelta: just 104 kilometres long, with the Envalira, Beixalis, Ordino and La Comella before arriving in Andorra la Vella. He believes that, with gaps still small, it could begin to establish a hierarchy and force riders to take responsibility very early on.
Mediterranean block and first major uphill finishes
Stage six finishes in Castellon with the Bartolo, including three kilometres of sterrato well before the finish. Stage seven ends in Valdelinares, the highest village in Spain, with a demanding uphill finish. Stage nine finishes in Aitana, with around 5,000 metres of elevation gain, making it a key and very demanding day.
Sierra Nevada and Granada to close a very Andalusian Vuelta
Andalusia: Calar Alto, La Pandera and the time trial
Stage twelve finishes at Calar Alto, at over 2,100 metres, after climbing Velefique with 31 kilometres still to go. On the second weekend, La Pandera is climbed, with 4,300 metres of elevation gain. Stage 18 is a 32-kilometre time trial between the port and Jerez de la Frontera, a long route with significant historical precedents.
Decisive final stages: Penas Blancas and Sierra de Guejar
After the time trial comes Penas Blancas, recalling Carapaz’s victory there. Then comes the queen stage, with the Collado del Alguacil, ramps of up to 21 percent, climbing to 1,800 metres and linking with Zayas and El Purche. It will be the major mountain day before the final finish in Granada.
Total elevation gain and route structure
The Vuelta exceeds 58,000 metres of elevation gain. There are few opportunities for sprinters and a clear imbalance in favour of the climbers. He highlights that there are not many extremely hard stages chained together, except at the end, which he sees as positive because it encourages more attacking racing and avoids excessive caution.
Importance of tactics and racing attitude
He insists that more than the route itself, it will be the riders, the team directors and the strategies that define how the race actually unfolds. He recalls that many seemingly unremarkable stages often produce great battles, while others that are heavily anticipated sometimes amount to very little.
Participation: unknowns and confirmed names
Participation is the other major key point. Roglic will be there and will aim for a fifth Vuelta, which would be a historic record, although he is no longer untouchable. Pogacar’s presence is unlikely, but not impossible, and will depend largely on how he finishes the Tour. Vingegaard is considered very unlikely.
Other contenders and Spanish presence
Almeida will lead UAE at the Vuelta. Enric Mas has the race as his main objective. Other options mentioned include Carlos Rodriguez, Mikel Landa, Juan Ayuso, Bernal and Carapaz. Ayuso is seen as an unknown quantity, while Del Toro will not be present, as he will ride the Tour de France.
An open scenario with many unknowns
Without Pogacar or Vingegaard, the race appears more open. The scenario is very attractive, but with nine months still to go, almost everything remains speculation apart from the route itself, which is already known. Expectations will depend on how the season develops.
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