{"id":890751,"date":"2026-09-13T17:30:18","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T17:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/890751\/"},"modified":"2026-09-13T17:30:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T17:30:18","slug":"vuelta-a-espana-stage-21-live-riders-reach-circuit-in-granada-on-final-day-of-the-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/890751\/","title":{"rendered":"Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 21 LIVE: Riders reach circuit in Granada on final day of the race"},"content":{"rendered":"

2026-09-13T17:26:05.788Z
\n10KM TO GO<\/p>\n

The riders hear the bell for the last lap! Bahrain Victorious lead the front group over the line, looking to set up Pello Bilbao.<\/p>\n

This is going to be an intense one, with multiple riders still in contention for the stage win. Everything is going to explode in a few kilometres when they start the climb.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T17:22:33.738Z<\/p>\n

The front group is large in size as they race towards the final lap. There are no attacks at the moment – they’re waiting presumably for the final ascent of the climb. Meanwhile the peloton is 1:18 behind, being led by Movistar.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T17:19:08.360Z<\/p>\n

The break has been caught by the chase group, and attacks are coming thick and fast, but nobody is clear at the moment.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T17:13:56.079Z
\n20KM TO GO<\/p>\n

It’s actually nine men in the lead group – L\u00e9o Bisiaux is present too. Behind a chase group is only ten seconds adrift, and chasing hard, as they cross the finish line for the third time – two more laps to go.<\/p>\n

The peloton led by Movistar is further behind, and prioritising safety rather then chasing the stage win.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T17:08:31.897Z<\/p>\n

A group of eight have gone clear – Brennan, Nys, Paret-Peintre, Laurance, Romele, Fisher-Black, Tronchon and Vader.<\/p>\n

There’s a large group behind (featuring Van Aert, who didn’t quite make the split).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T17:04:26.078Z<\/p>\n

Groupama’s Tronchon has caused a split over the top of the climb, taking a handful of riders with him, including Brennan, Paret-Peintre, Romele and Van Aert.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T17:02:29.375Z<\/p>\n

The race is heating up now. Visma-Lease a Bike first took control at the front of the peloton, with Steven Kruijswijk, riding on the last day of his career. And now Groupama-FDJ take over as they take on the circuit’s climb for the second of four times.<\/p>\n

At the back, one of the key sprinters is struggling – Jordi Meeus.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T16:58:33.537Z
\n30KM TO GO<\/p>\n

Lots of teams are moving up to the front now, as the peloton is spread across the road. Still no attacks, but some riders appear to be readying themselves, and are fighting to position.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T16:54:06.740Z<\/p>\n

Still no attacks forthcoming in the peloton. The pace is up, as Movistar continue to ride at the front of the peloton, but nobody is taking the race on.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T16:48:47.641Z<\/p>\n

For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You’ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! Join today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T16:42:18.346Z<\/p>\n

Here we go, the riders are at last in the finishing circuit in Granada! They pass through the finish line for the first time, to huge crowds who have taken to the roadside.<\/p>\n

Despite this, the pace is still steady, the race having not yet ignited. It’s difficult to know what to expect after the final lap’s time neutralisation, and so far there hasn’t been an interest in racing.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T16:40:11.034Z<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Vuelta is set to come to a close, but there was news today of next year’s race. The Gran Partida is set to take place in Galicia, the first time it has been held on Spanish roads for a few years.<\/p>\n

Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a Grand Depart returns to home soil with start in Galicia in 2027<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T16:30:08.468Z<\/p>\n

There are still a lot of teams without a stage win at this Vuelta, will be desperate to do so today. Unusually, Lidl-Trek and Alpecin-Premier Tech are both without one, contrary to how they usually perform, as are NSN, Jayco-AlUla, Astana, Picnic PosnNL, Lotto Intermarch\u00e9 and the wildcard teams Burgos BH and Equipo Kern Pharma. And although they have high placings on GC to celebrate, Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe, Decathlon, EF Education-EasyPost and Netcompany are also lacking one.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T16:22:12.044Z<\/p>\n

Above all, today is for Enric Mas. Up until he has had a career of near-misses and runner-up finishes, and spoke candidly yesterday about how hard he has had to work to deliver this victory. Chapeau.<\/p>\n

‘You can’t win a Grand Tour without suffering’ – as Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a victory beckons, Enric Mas reveals battle to overcome tough challenges<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"GRANADA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T16:13:14.336Z<\/p>\n

Of all the many storylines to follow during yesterday’s stage, perhaps the most heart-warming was Mikel Landa’s stage win. For all his talent and brilliant performances over the years, he hasn’t actually won that much at this high a level, and certainly not in recent years. It will surely go down as one of the best days of his career.<\/p>\n

‘Misfortune creates empathy’ – Mikel Landa finally finds redemption on toughest Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"GRANADA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T16:04:17.596Z<\/p>\n

Oscar Onley was one of the riders to lose a place on GC yesterday to Sepp Kuss, slipping to 6th place, but nevertheless completes what has been a successful Grand Tour thanks to victory in the young riders classification. He’s had to overcome some hardship to do so, too, having been ill earlier in the race; to pull off such a result in these circumstances is further proof of his great talent.<\/p>\n

\u2018I just missed 10 metres\u2019 – Oscar Onley drops out of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a top five after faltering on final mountain stage<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"GRANADA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T15:54:28.964Z<\/p>\n

For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You’ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! Join today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T15:49:59.369Z
\n80KM TO GO<\/p>\n

There still haven’t been any attacks out of the peloton, as Movistar set a gentle pace towards the start of the finishing circuit in Granada. Upon arriving, they will do four laps, where the race for the stage win will take off.<\/p>\n

\n

\"GRANADA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T15:37:59.906Z<\/p>\n

An excellent Vuelta got even better for Visma-Lease a Bike yesterday, when Sepp Kuss propelled himself up to fifth overall with a brilliant long-range attack. The team aren\u2019t done yet, either, and will be gunning for an eighth stage win today, with either of their two stars Brennan or Van Aert.<\/p>\n

‘I never felt like I was alone’ – Sepp Kuss pays tribute to Visma-Lease a Bike after making huge GC gains at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"GRANADA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T15:30:47.571Z<\/p>\n

This year’s Vuelta podium, al of whom look happy with their finish.<\/p>\n

For Mas and Rogli\u010d, it’s a respective five and six time they’ve finished on the podium here, but for Gall it’s a first. He had to dig deep yesterday to defend from an onslaught of attacks from the man directly beneath him on GC, Richard Carapaz.<\/p>\n

‘Maybe it was a bit boring to watch’ \u2013 Felix Gall refuses to crack despite onslaught of attacks from Richard Carapaz on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a queen stage<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"GRANADA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T15:21:51.341Z<\/p>\n

The festivities appear to be finished for now, and Movistar have moved to the front of the peloton to increase the pace a little. It’s still more of an amble than a race, but the battle for the stage win will initiate at some point.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T15:16:23.774Z<\/p>\n

Here was the retiring riders receiving their guard of honour at the start of the stage, led by Steven Kruijswijk. This will be the last day of racing in the Dutchman’s long career, a memorable which saw him star in the mountains early on, nearly win the Giro d’Italia, podium at the Tour de France, and then win multiple Grand Tours as a rebranded domestique for Visma. He’ll be sorely missed.<\/p>\n

\n

\"GRANADA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T15:07:36.069Z
\n100KM TO GO<\/p>\n

The riders are still ambling along at a slow pace as they make their way towards the circuit in Granada. They are still assembling in team formation to have their photo taken, and there’s no sign of a race breaking out any time soon.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T15:04:26.331Z<\/p>\n

Here’s a look at the snazzy jerseys the Movistar riders have rocked up in for today’s stage, to celebrate Mas’ overall victory.<\/p>\n

\n

\"GRANADA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T14:57:58.685Z<\/p>\n

Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d might have failed to take the red jersey from Enric Mas yesterday, but he still looks in good spirits, giving a wave to the TV moto, and chatting and enjoying himself with his companions in the peloton.<\/p>\n

‘We always had in mind that Primo\u017e lost ten days’ \u2013 Red Bull satisfied with second overall for Rogli\u010d at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a despite inability to launch final attack on queen stage<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T14:50:25.254Z<\/p>\n

For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You’ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! Join today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T14:45:59.397Z<\/p>\n

One rider who is not present to celebrate finishing the Vuelta is Eddie Dunbar. The Irishman crashed out of the race yesterday, but does at least go home as a stage winner after his triumph in the mountains two days ago.<\/p>\n

One day after comeback stage win at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, Eddie Dunbar crashes out with fractured collarbone<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T14:39:24.878Z<\/p>\n

While the opening of the stage will be more of a celebration than a race, there are endless stories to unpack from yesterday\u2019s thriller. There might not have been any major changes in the GC, barring Sepp Kuss\u2019 rise to fifth place, but the stage really did have everything.<\/p>\n

No final twist after all for Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d as GC winner-elect Enric Mas and Movistar thrive among the chaos of an epic, breathless Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a queen stage \u2013 Analysis<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T14:33:39.138Z
\nOFFICIAL START<\/p>\n

And they’re off! Albeit to a slow start, as the end-of-term celebrations commence. Mas and his Movistar team are the first to move ahead of the front of the peloton for their photo, riding arm in arm in custom red jerseys.<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T14:28:02.939Z<\/p>\n

The riders are at the unofficial start, and five men who are set to retire are being honoured – Pello Bilbao, Jesus Herrada, David de la Cruz, Steven Kruijswijk and Magnus Cort – the latter of which addressed the crowd earlier.<\/p>\n

\n

\"GRANADA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T14:18:38.208Z<\/p>\n

Having been under so much pressure this past week or so, today is at last a chance for Enric Mas to celebrate. This is the day his whole career has been building towards; after four podium finishes at past editions of the Vuelta, and so many more in other races, he can at last call himself a Grand Tour champion.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Overall\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T14:14:03.242Z<\/p>\n

Despite that climb in the finishing circuit, it does not look as though the stage is going to be raced for GC, following the announcement that the times will be neutralised by the final lap. The riders have cited safety concerns as the reason for the change.<\/p>\n

Final lap of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a’s closing stage in Granada to be neutralised after safety concerns raised<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2026-09-13T14:08:50.038Z<\/p>\n

After yesterday’s epic slog in the mountains<\/a>, which saw a thrilling battle for both the GC placings and the stage win, the Vuelta comes to an end with a much more straightforward, simple stage.<\/p>\n

It’s not necessarily one for the sprinters, however. There’s a testing climb in the final circuit in Granada which looks set to make this a fascinatingly balanced battle for the stage win.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 21 preview – final stage victory is still all to play for in Granada<\/a><\/p>\n

Hello and welcome to the final stage of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"2026-09-13T17:26:05.788Z 10KM TO GO The riders hear the bell for the last lap! Bahrain Victorious lead the front…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":890752,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[569],"tags":[64,63,784,85],"class_list":["post-890751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-cycling","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890751","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=890751"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890751\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/890752"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=890751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=890751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=890751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}