La Vuelta 2026 Route Unveiled with Andorran Challenge
The route for the 81st edition of La Vuelta a España, scheduled from August 22 to September 13, 2026, was officially unveiled in Monaco on December 18, 2025. Among the key highlights is the inclusion of a demanding stage entirely within the mountainous principality of Andorra, set to take place on August 25, 2026.
Andorra La Vella to Host Stage 4's Mountain Test
Stage 4 of La Vuelta 2026 will be a 104.9-kilometer mountain stage, starting and finishing in Andorra la Vella. This compact yet brutal stage is designed to create significant gaps among the general classification contenders early in the race. Route architect Fernando Escartin described the overall route as 'very tough' and 'one of the most difficult editions in the history of La Vuelta,' with mountains playing a starring role.
The Andorran stage will feature a sequence of challenging climbs, including:
- Port d'Envalira
- Collada de Beixalís
- Coll d'Ordino
- Alto de la Comella
A Rich History with La Vuelta
Andorra's inclusion in La Vuelta 2026 continues a long-standing tradition. This will be the 25th time Andorra has featured on the race map since 1965, and notably, the fifth occasion it has hosted an entire stage within its borders. The principality's rugged terrain and high mountain passes have historically been a favored battleground for climbers and a decisive point in the Spanish Grand Tour.
Overall Route Overview
The 2026 edition of La Vuelta will commence with an individual time trial in Monaco on August 22. After traversing parts of southern France and the challenging Andorran stage, the race will proceed into Spain, culminating in a grand finale in Granada on September 13. The route promises a demanding race with six pure mountain stages and several medium-mountain stages, ensuring a spectacle for cycling enthusiasts.
5 Comments
Africa
Andorra delivers again! This stage will be epic, a true climber's paradise.
Bella Ciao
Finally, a Grand Tour not afraid to go hard from day one. Exciting!
Mariposa
104.9km of pure climbing? That's going to be absolute fireworks. Can't wait!
Raphael
It's great to see such a challenging stage early on, promising an exciting start. However, I hope it doesn't lead to a lack of action in the later, equally tough mountain stages.
Donatello
While the idea of an all-Andorran mountain stage is exciting for climbing specialists, it might put sprinters and rouleurs at too much of a disadvantage so early in the race. A more gradual build-up might be fairer.