'26 Vuelta to start in Monaco with Formula 1-inspired time trial
The 2026 Vuelta a España will open with a 9.6 km individual time trial through the streets of Monaco, starting at the Monte-Carlo Casino and finishing on the same stretch used for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The route includes the famous Fairmont Hairpin, Port Hercule, and sweeping turns along the Mediterranean waterfront, making or a technical, high-speed opener that will suit the TT specialists.
It’s the first time the Vuelta has started in Monaco and the first time any city has hosted the Grand Départ of all three Grand Tours, after the Giro in 1966 and the Tour in 2009.
Stage 2 will also begin in the principality before crossing into France, with the race not entering Spain until stage 4. The full route will be revealed on December 17.
The Vuelta wants Pogačar so bad that it’s bringing the 2026 race to his doorstep
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.
Kit Nicholson
