The 2026 Vuelta a España will open with a 9.6 km individual time trial in Monaco, home of Tadej Pogačar, who has not raced the Spanish Grand Tour since 2019.
Cor Vos
In the same week as the route presentation for the Tours de France Hommes et Femmes, the Vuelta a España has revealed the location of its 2026 Grand Depart, and with it, practically hand-delivered an invitation to the elusive Tadej Pogačar.
From a grand unveiling in Monte Carlo came the news that Monaco – where Pogačar is based – will host the seventh foreign start in the Spanish Grand Tour’s history, rewarding the first red jersey of the 81st edition after a 9.6-kilometre individual time trial on Saturday 22nd August.
The start-finish area for the 2009 Tour’s opening ITT in Monaco. The stands look over the finish line which will be similarly positioned at next year’s Vuelta.
“Monaco is synonymous with sporting excellence and organisational prowess,” said race director Javier Guillén of Vuelta organiser Unipublic. “Some of the world’s most prestigious events take place here, with the Formula 1 Grand Prix as the jewel in the crown. Launching La Vuelta in this setting is both an honour and a guarantee of success for everyone.”
Also among the many dignitaries was Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose city will become the first to host a Grand Depart for all three Grand Tours after the 1966 Giro d’Italia and 2009 Tour de France. It has, of course, been a host city for a range of other stages and events, including the start of the stage 21 ITT that closed the 2024 Tour.
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